tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19301914031483078862018-02-20T12:02:22.107+00:00Katy Belle | UK Fashion & Lifestyle BlogUK based personal style and lifestyle blog written and curated by Katy Belle.Katy Bellenoreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-12046826088347909022018-02-18T08:01:00.001+00:002018-02-20T12:02:22.212+00:00Why It Took Me So Long To Embrace Self-Love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BuIK58BPfDM/WoioY-SNvkI/AAAAAAAAE2U/16CK1qY9Fcgm49xbmtT0ZuGmoEEwkYQpQCLcBGAs/s1600/embrace-self-love-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why it took me so long to embrace self love think piece thoughts personal style 1" border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="1080" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BuIK58BPfDM/WoioY-SNvkI/AAAAAAAAE2U/16CK1qY9Fcgm49xbmtT0ZuGmoEEwkYQpQCLcBGAs/s1600/embrace-self-love-3.png" title="why it took me so long to embrace self love think piece thoughts personal style 1" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>When I was growing up, and even as I approached my twenties, my concept of self-love was defined by everything external. It was defined by material things, my appearance, my level of success - I rarely took the time to consider that, in actual fact, the driving forces behind my self-love journey are my innermost thoughts and feelings, my heart, and my mental well-being. Instead of loving myself for being unequivocally&nbsp;<i>me</i>, I was <i>constantly</i> searching for perfection. I was searching for thinner, I was searching for success, I was searching for wealth; I was searching for a place, a destination.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kL9hL22luD8/WoiolV7R66I/AAAAAAAAE2g/aCT2-_-8oY85SgZxqR-mW8Vr9plXgl7LgCEwYBhgL/s1600/embrace-self-love-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why it took me so long to embrace self love think piece thoughts personal style 2" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kL9hL22luD8/WoiolV7R66I/AAAAAAAAE2g/aCT2-_-8oY85SgZxqR-mW8Vr9plXgl7LgCEwYBhgL/s1600/embrace-self-love-1.png" title="why it took me so long to embrace self love think piece thoughts personal style 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAAt1WCUrhA/Woiohngu3WI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/q0gT6tUJmdE2E5ew2Sk87bhtLaznX16QwCEwYBhgL/s1600/embrace-self-love-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why it took me so long to embrace self love think piece thoughts personal style 3" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAAt1WCUrhA/Woiohngu3WI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/q0gT6tUJmdE2E5ew2Sk87bhtLaznX16QwCEwYBhgL/s1600/embrace-self-love-2.png" title="why it took me so long to embrace self love think piece thoughts personal style 3" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">SHOP THIS POST (SIMILAR):</h3><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-mobile-optimize="true" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225a88abdcbe7a448e07105133%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1518906031814?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe frameborder="0" height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225a88abdcbe7a448e07105133%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"> </iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center>Slowly but surely, I have come to the realisation that said destination doesn't exist. Self-love is not a fixed point that you reach in life, where everything suddenly goes right and life suddenly makes sense. In an ideal world, sure. But in reality, the idea of self-love is a complicated one. It's working every single day to see yourself as worthy, even when society tells you that you're not good enough, or in some cases, too much. It's appreciating what you have been through and who you have become because of it, while still aspiring for more. It's searching to find your place in a modern world that, all too often, prioritises the material, the desirable, the 'perfect'. It's knowing that you're never going to be flawless, but you can live your life without focusing on your flaws first. It's understanding that self-love <i>is</i> a journey and a life-long investment in yourself, one that is often filled with chaotic ups and downs and many moments of doubt.<br /><br />I am living, breathing proof of this, as I'm sure many of us are. Honestly? I don't have the energy to love myself every single day. Some days I can't be bothered. Some days I just want to hide away from the fact that today's society deems a woman proudly loving herself as egocentric, shameful and attention-seeking - because it's <i>damn</i> exhausting. Some days I feel intimated. The age of social media makes it harder than ever to accept who we are; our feeds filled with people we deem as better than ourselves, living their best lives and seemingly having it all figured out. But I am not them, and they are not me. My self-love journey is up to me, and it should be - it <i>will</i> be - done on my own terms, in my own way. My confidence ebbs and flows at the best of times, but slowly I am learning that there is something to be celebrated in this journey, even in the most imperfect times - because imperfect is <i>normal</i>, imperfect is <i>human</i>. And I am doing fine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlaoW3Z9TjI/Woioi74w46I/AAAAAAAAE2c/e6FujkMSr-czGC2_R7iqjsQgXa8a2oeOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/embrace-self-love-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why it took me so long to embrace self love think piece thoughts personal style 4" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlaoW3Z9TjI/Woioi74w46I/AAAAAAAAE2c/e6FujkMSr-czGC2_R7iqjsQgXa8a2oeOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/embrace-self-love-4.png" title="why it took me so long to embrace self love think piece thoughts personal style 4" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TCHXSii6W8/WoionuNhVNI/AAAAAAAAE2k/VDGEGbBKXkM3PiDWL0Z6cZuhs7F0AhndwCEwYBhgL/s1600/embrace-self-love-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why it took me so long to embrace self love think piece thoughts personal style 5" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TCHXSii6W8/WoionuNhVNI/AAAAAAAAE2k/VDGEGbBKXkM3PiDWL0Z6cZuhs7F0AhndwCEwYBhgL/s1600/embrace-self-love-5.png" title="why it took me so long to embrace self love think piece thoughts personal style 5" /></a></div><br />Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-72596964133554399572018-01-19T08:17:00.000+00:002018-01-19T09:31:22.424+00:00Why I'm Over Trying To Be Cool.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9u2MKsS7aUw/WmEs-IjOpmI/AAAAAAAAE1U/f_Wg0DuJO5ED8DU2RGX-sG7ZrTAHmCZYgCLcBGAs/s1600/im-over-trying-to-be-cool-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why i'm over trying to be cool fashion personal style think piece 1" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9u2MKsS7aUw/WmEs-IjOpmI/AAAAAAAAE1U/f_Wg0DuJO5ED8DU2RGX-sG7ZrTAHmCZYgCLcBGAs/s1600/im-over-trying-to-be-cool-6.png" title="why i'm over trying to be cool fashion personal style think piece 1" /></a></div><br />What even <i>is</i> cool? I spent the greater half of my teenage years trying to figure it out, as if it were one of life's greatest mysteries, trying to determine what it was that made you cool; all whilst being painfully aware of the fact that trying to be cool made you <i>anything</i> but. I still, from time to time, ponder the idea of what it means to be cool. I'll often imagine off-duty, vintage leather jacket adorned models with sunkissed beachy blonde waves, a cigarette hanging loosely from their lips and a sort of nonchalance that I've never been able to pull off (and not for a lack of trying, <i>that's</i> for sure).<br /><br />In case you couldn't already tell, I've never self-identified as cool, as much as I may have yearned to throughout the years. (And anyway, let's face it, no truly cool individual would ever even have to self-identify as such - <i>nevermind</i> pen a whole damn blog post about it). I spent my teenage years being the only kid in my class who listened to bands like My Chemical Romance, who crushed <i>hard</i> on Gerard Way and Pete Wentz and who proudly sported a Fall Out Boy backpack on the daily. Once, I got a cheap perm job in the hopes of transforming my dead-straight hair into luscious curly locks just like the cool girls (hint: that didn't happen). Another time, I invited the cool girls along with me to a gig I knew they'd&nbsp;love, only to be later labelled as a total try-hard loser. Whatever cool was, I wasn't it. I was far from it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KPo5O_uBWQ/WmEs7QYThKI/AAAAAAAAE1I/AJLpvKsvUcMKG925QDSRZ-kash7gy9bJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/im-over-trying-to-be-cool-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why i'm over trying to be cool fashion personal style think piece 2" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KPo5O_uBWQ/WmEs7QYThKI/AAAAAAAAE1I/AJLpvKsvUcMKG925QDSRZ-kash7gy9bJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/im-over-trying-to-be-cool-3.png" title="why i'm over trying to be cool fashion personal style think piece 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-UO4OebhUY/WmEs7JcNv8I/AAAAAAAAE1E/Wqd2z6pGFw4sPgInhF6qTl80ibwYg8DwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/im-over-trying-to-be-cool-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why i'm over trying to be cool fashion personal style think piece 3" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-UO4OebhUY/WmEs7JcNv8I/AAAAAAAAE1E/Wqd2z6pGFw4sPgInhF6qTl80ibwYg8DwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/im-over-trying-to-be-cool-2.png" title="why i'm over trying to be cool fashion personal style think piece 3" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UL9fNrS9RFw/WmEs9KrL8uI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/mly-l2cSJ6o6aYN6ZxD936WRj9uzU1euACEwYBhgL/s1600/im-over-trying-to-be-cool-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why i'm over trying to be cool fashion personal style think piece 4" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UL9fNrS9RFw/WmEs9KrL8uI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/mly-l2cSJ6o6aYN6ZxD936WRj9uzU1euACEwYBhgL/s1600/im-over-trying-to-be-cool-4.png" title="why i'm over trying to be cool fashion personal style think piece 4" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">SHOP THIS POST (SIMILAR):</h3><center> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-mobile-optimize="true" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225a61308bdd4edbb35f1e3976%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1516318607773?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe frameborder="0" height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225a61308bdd4edbb35f1e3976%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"> </iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center>These days, you could say I'm even further from cool than ever (again, the fact that I'm writing a blog post all about the four letter word alludes to that) - in the way I have always assumed "cool" to be, at least. I'm a bit of a dork who often prefers a night in over a night out. I've never smoked a cigarette in my life. I started listening to Green Day twenty-odd-years <i>after</i> listening to Green Day was considered cool. I know all of the words to Pete Wentz's poem in <i>Get Busy Living Or Get Busy Dying (Do Your Part to Save the Scene and Stop Going to Shows)</i>. When I love something, I have an unrelenting tendency&nbsp;to love it - and <i>vocally</i> love it - too much; not <i>exactly</i> the sort of nonchalance I was aiming for.<br /><br />I suppose, these days, social media playing such prominent roles in our lives only but magnifies the low-key desire to identify as cool. Although we only share the glossiest parts of our lives across our Insta feeds, it's easy to feel like a fish out of water in what often feels like a digital popularity contest. A brief scroll through my Insta explore page is enough to drive home the fact that I am not, and never will be, an #InstaBabe on the beaches of Bali, looking effortlessly sexy, gazing down at the camera over my designer sunglasses. But see - that's just <i>it</i>. More often than not, we associate the word cool with something that couldn't be further from the fact for someone else. It's opinion. It's <i>subjective</i>.<br /><br />So, you know what? I'm over it. I'm done trying to be cool - whatever "cool" is. I am who I am, and who I am is obsessive, moody as hell, playing the same song on repeat for hours on end. Everything I love, I love loudly and unapologetically. I'm an emo kid at heart and I once bought a <a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/07/i-just-really-love-this-jacket.html" target="_blank">denim jacket</a> because the slogan on the back matches a Green Day song title. I have come to the realisation that the <i>one</i> thing that makes <i>any</i> of us uncool is our futile endeavors to be anything but our true selves. So, you do you, boo. Because there's <i>nothing</i> bloody cooler than that.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oRaJ4qpqN58/WmEtEzKsBdI/AAAAAAAAE1c/odJFfL-ojAI6X6GwfA7vZFDmFgN_-GXcwCEwYBhgL/s1600/im-over-trying-to-be-cool-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why i'm over trying to be cool fashion personal style think piece 5" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oRaJ4qpqN58/WmEtEzKsBdI/AAAAAAAAE1c/odJFfL-ojAI6X6GwfA7vZFDmFgN_-GXcwCEwYBhgL/s1600/im-over-trying-to-be-cool-5.png" title="why i'm over trying to be cool fashion personal style think piece 5" /></a></div><h3><div style="text-align: center;">What are your thoughts on "cool"?</div></h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-44566204106925918082018-01-07T09:00:00.000+00:002018-01-07T10:24:25.250+00:00Hi, I'm Katy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0VYc56VqDac/WlFPZiQqCGI/AAAAAAAAE00/w8kfDUTjHyQIDjPgABolnYRuWsckcKgegCEwYBhgL/s1600/hi-im-katy-7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0VYc56VqDac/WlFPZiQqCGI/AAAAAAAAE00/w8kfDUTjHyQIDjPgABolnYRuWsckcKgegCEwYBhgL/s1600/hi-im-katy-7.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />When you frequently delve into the vast world of blogging, it's not uncommon to every so often stumble upon a post that profoundly resonates with you, makes you <i>feel</i> something and truly makes the cogs in your brain start to turn. A number of months ago, I happened upon a post entitled, '<a href="http://thelittleplum.co.uk/2017/10/hello-im-chloe-this-is-who-i-want-to-be-on-the-internet.html" target="_blank">Hello! I'm Chloe &amp; This is Who I Want to be on the Internet</a>' written by the ever so delightful <a href="http://thelittleplum.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chloe</a>; and it did just <i>that</i>. In her post, Chloe conveys <i>endearing</i> personality, almost unlike anything else I've seen in the blogosphere as of late. She touches on the subject of who she is as a person, behind the blog, and poses the strikingly important question of how she might&nbsp;<i>actually</i>&nbsp;be&nbsp;perceived by her readership online.<br /><br />Since reading Chloe's post, the subject of how we, as bloggers, can be perceived online, versus how we actually <i>want</i> to be perceived, is something that has been at the very forefront of my mind every time I sit down to metaphorically spew my thoughts out into a coherent post for this blog. It often has me wondering how my intentions as a blogger come across and whether or not my personality can <i>truly</i> be perceived through ramblings about <a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/07/i-just-really-love-this-jacket.html" target="_blank">my infatuation with a jacket</a>. There's no doubt that it is something I have become increasingly more conscious of and, as it is something I love to see on <i>other</i> blogs, I have since been working <i>hard</i> to inject as much of my personality into my writing as I possibly can.<br /><br />Though, that said, with it being a new year and all, I thought now would be an ideal opportunity to welcome it in with a sort of 'get to know me', as it were, largely inspired by the ideas put forth by Chloe in her post. Whether you've been reading my content from the beginning or just so happened to stumble upon my blog for the very first time through this post; I want to let you know who I am and what my intentions as a blogger are. But first, let's start with the basics...<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Hi, I'm Katy.</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31cWAXNud50/WlFPZn3_UpI/AAAAAAAAE0w/3Q2LglGL2XYkPlqB9VXXzlaRqNWXtyo2gCLcBGAs/s1600/hi-im-katy-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hi i'm katy personal style lifestyle thought think piece 3" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31cWAXNud50/WlFPZn3_UpI/AAAAAAAAE0w/3Q2LglGL2XYkPlqB9VXXzlaRqNWXtyo2gCLcBGAs/s1600/hi-im-katy-5.png" title="hi i'm katy personal style lifestyle thought think piece 3" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dasi9PzI8L4/WlFOfoRHlyI/AAAAAAAAE0k/lLeA-v9VkMAFhsRh6XbxdX7OTIqMbGZWACEwYBhgL/s1600/hi-im-katy-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dasi9PzI8L4/WlFOfoRHlyI/AAAAAAAAE0k/lLeA-v9VkMAFhsRh6XbxdX7OTIqMbGZWACEwYBhgL/s1600/hi-im-katy-1.png" /></a></div></div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;">SHOP THIS POST (SIMILAR):</h3><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-mobile-optimize="true" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225a0222d04df128892bbf31c6%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1515279766363?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe frameborder="0" height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225a0222d04df128892bbf31c6%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"> </iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center>I'm 23-going-on-24 years old and from a small town in Northern Ireland. My mother raised me as a single parent and did a bloody good job at it, if I do say so myself. We lived in a nice house out in the countryside; which would now frighten me to no end if I were to go back and stay there alone. My childhood was fairly unremarkable; I had sleepovers aplenty with my best friend, often staying up well into the early hours of the morning chatting endlessly about our latest crushes and listening to our favourite bands on Kerrang! TV; Fall Out Boy and Paramore to name but a few.</div><div><br /></div><div>School was, well... it was school. Again, for the most part, it was fairly unremarkable. I'd say I was academic, but school was never something I enjoyed. In fact, as I approached my teens, I started to <i>truly</i> detest it. I was a painfully shy teen, introverted, often preferring my own company with the exception of weekends spent with my best friends. It made school difficult, to say the very least. I often found myself surrounded by wildly confident individuals to which I struggled to relate; and, in combination with other factors, it took a&nbsp;toll on my mental health as I approached the ages of 15 and 16. Those years saw me struggle greatly with depression and I remember it vividly. I remember not having the strength, or the will, to get out of bed in the morning and go to school with my peers. I didn't understand what was wrong with me. My magnificent&nbsp;and strong mother tried her utmost to understand, staying by my side and grasping my hand as I stared at the ceiling of my bedroom, crying into the night for reasons my mind just couldn't grasp at that age.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, things eventually got better through tremendous support from my loved ones. Back then I also found a lot of solace in writing, both on and offline, about what I was going through and how I was feeling. It was like a therapy. As well, I often reached out to online friends who were going through similar things. Fast forward to the present day and, although I do still suffer from bouts of depression, my mental health is, for the most part, doing much, much better.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I was 18 years old I stepped far out of my comfort zone by hopping across to England to study law at university. University was an <i class="">experience</i>, and one that I will likely never forget. I met some wonderful people (and some not so wonderful), drank many a cheap cocktail out of a saucepan (yes, you read that correctly) and experienced things I may never have had the chance to experience had I not taken the risk. That said, I quickly realised that the university life wasn't for me and <i>no freakin' way</i> did I want to continue pursuing a career in law; and so, I dropped out after eight short months. Although I thought, and was routinely told, that I would live to regret my decision; there is, thankfully, no part of me that does. I then worked in customer service until I landed my current full-time digital marketing role.</div><div><br /></div><div>These days, I live in Belfast with my boyfriend Adam, who I've been in a relationship with for <i>five whole years</i> this coming May. He's a wildly talented individual, though he would never say that himself. Like the true saint he is, he helps me with my photography for this blog, and he has a passion for <a href="https://twitter.com/katybellemairs/status/948617460214915072" target="_blank">art</a> and music. He's the light of my life, and although we bicker about the stupidest things (especially when we're both hungry), we love each other unconditionally.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd say I'm currently the most confident I've ever felt in my life. Not to say that I don't have my insecurities, because boy oh boy, I have <i>plenty</i> of those. I'm more-so referring how I hold myself and my outgoingness, which wasn't really something I had when I was younger. I'm passionate and opinionated; my mother often tells me that I'm <i>great</i> in a debate, and I'll take that. I'm a completely obsessive person; when I love something, I just can't help but to love it with all of my heart - and I can be <i>very</i> vocal about it. I have a huge love for music; it plays an enormous part in my daily life and influences me in so many ways, from my creativity, to my style and beyond. I love to travel and when I do, it's usually to see one of my favourite bands in another country. I have no doubts that I will be going to gigs even when I am withered and grey. I can be an extremely unpredictably moody person, and I'm partial to the occasional whinge.</div><div><br /></div><div>And so there you have it: me, in a nutshell. But, beyond who I am as a person behind this blog, what is the <i>purpose</i> of me writing and sharing and exploring my thoughts and opinions online? At the end of the day, what are my <i>intentions</i>?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vuj5jShDMrA/WlFOgtF_ICI/AAAAAAAAE0g/1Ft8gpIUX88nzsOLP328hbGdDbjtXSGDACEwYBhgL/s1600/hi-im-katy-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vuj5jShDMrA/WlFOgtF_ICI/AAAAAAAAE0g/1Ft8gpIUX88nzsOLP328hbGdDbjtXSGDACEwYBhgL/s1600/hi-im-katy-4.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-La2uiYKMLcs/WlFOfeDRvbI/AAAAAAAAE0g/fz83CWmlP1cbHjoIj3y6n0e2DuFDCXbWQCEwYBhgL/s1600/hi-im-katy-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hi i'm katy personal style lifestyle thought think piece 5" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-La2uiYKMLcs/WlFOfeDRvbI/AAAAAAAAE0g/fz83CWmlP1cbHjoIj3y6n0e2DuFDCXbWQCEwYBhgL/s1600/hi-im-katy-3.png" title="hi i'm katy personal style lifestyle thought think piece 5" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Honestly, my intentions are simple. On this space, I want to talk freely, personally and openly about the subjects that matter most to me and young women like me. That could be <a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/10/the-multi-coloured-sweater-i-cant-get.html" target="_blank">my new favourite sweater</a>, or it could be the innermost thoughts pulled from my brain about <a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/musing-on-growing-up.html" target="_blank">how growing up scares the absolute hell out of me</a>. I want to create a space where one might find solace and a brief escape from the realities of daily life, just as I did when growing up online. I want to build a platform where personal style is realistic and accessible and doesn't always have to fit into a structure or norm.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, that's about where I'm at on my little corner of the internet. I'm Katy Belle, your Billie Joe Armstrong obsessed friend who doesn't always have everything figured out, who loves nothing more than writing and experimenting with her personal style and who is partial to watching Vine compilations at 2am. I really do hope you'll stick around.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zjp24sdbT0M/WlFOgopBaRI/AAAAAAAAE0g/RLTEO1hYGys5Leuf4bG0T9q-96JcL3tOgCEwYBhgL/s1600/hi-im-katy-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zjp24sdbT0M/WlFOgopBaRI/AAAAAAAAE0g/RLTEO1hYGys5Leuf4bG0T9q-96JcL3tOgCEwYBhgL/s1600/hi-im-katy-2.png" /></a></div><br /></div>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-58231319590221305592017-12-31T15:25:00.001+00:002017-12-31T15:45:43.734+00:00Farewell 2017.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVKpZwKPrY8/WkkAQevwmyI/AAAAAAAAEz0/hv1G9qaOECMoFFCbMNeb9E7XRkZnclfXACEwYBhgL/s1600/farewell-2017-33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVKpZwKPrY8/WkkAQevwmyI/AAAAAAAAEz0/hv1G9qaOECMoFFCbMNeb9E7XRkZnclfXACEwYBhgL/s1600/farewell-2017-33.png" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">364/365</h3><div>Without beating around the bush, in the grand scheme of it all, a lot of bad things happened in 2017. Suffice to say the year often felt as bleak as a season of Black Mirror. With shocking headlines and political fuck-ups aplenty, this year it almost became routine to wake up in the morning and check social media to find out what the <i>hell</i> else could have gone wrong in the world while we slept. Though, that said, in 2017 we <i>did</i> see some rare glimmers of hope (in the form of women's marches, Fiona the hippo and the iconic "<a href="https://twitter.com/Cryptoterra/status/942146794774867968" target="_blank">HOLLYWEED</a>" sign) that reminded us that there is still <i>some</i> ounce of humanity, humour and love in the world. To quote Hugh Grant's prime minister, "Love, actually, <i>is</i> all around."</div><div><br /></div><div>In my own personal bubble, life this year was just as tumultuous. From enjoying an abundance of travel with my other half, to suffering a huge personal loss, to meeting incredible life-long pals, to struggling greatly with my mental health; the cliché of "many ups and downs" rings true regardless. All in all, for me, this year saw something of serious personal growth and, as a whole, was undeniable proof of the fact when you hit rock bottom, the only way is, indeed, <i>up</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, it's almost time to bid farewell to the ever so questionable year that was 2017; and with a brand new year comes the welcomed prospect of starting afresh. Although it would appear that,&nbsp;these days<i>,</i> we're all too cool for New Year's Resolutions (I ain't buying it); I&nbsp;<i>love</i>&nbsp;them and the simple fact that the beginning of a new year brings the opportunity to look to the future and to set new personal goals. Whether your goals and aspirations for the year ahead are more predictable than most, or whether they're slightly more unconventional; in my humble opinion, there's no better way to kick-start a brand new year than striving for <i>something</i>. And so, here are just a few things I'm striving for in 2018.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQANsvAR5sc/WkkAQfo_IFI/AAAAAAAAEz4/OhJ8fqOfMdUAsMDrb9PR5sCRHtPbFKWBQCLcBGAs/s1600/farewell-2017-11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQANsvAR5sc/WkkAQfo_IFI/AAAAAAAAEz4/OhJ8fqOfMdUAsMDrb9PR5sCRHtPbFKWBQCLcBGAs/s1600/farewell-2017-11.png" /></a></div></div><h3><div style="text-align: center;">WRITE, WRITE AND WRITE SOME MORE.</div></h3><div>At the risk of sounding overly dramatic; writing is <i>everything</i> to me. For as long as I can remember, writing is how I have always dealt with any emotion I've ever felt. Writing has been my therapy through bouts of sadness, grief, heartbreak; it has also been a way for me to document all of the wonderful, good things I have experienced in life. Writing allows me to share my thoughts and opinions; it allows me to ignite discussions and debates; it allows me to tell stories. When I was a child, I dreamed of nothing more than to one day write my own book; or <i>at least</i>, somehow, some way, make writing the <i>thing</i> that I <i>do</i>. Fast forward to the present day and I'm undeniably delighted to be able to say that writing has always been at the very core of everything I do from a career perspective, and I've recently come to realise that I want that to <i>continue</i>. In fact, I want it to play an <i>even</i> bigger part in my life than it ever has before.</div><div><br /></div><div>Admittedly, 2017 was the year that I, for the most part, fell out of love with writing. I struggle to pinpoint exactly why; there are undoubtedly numerous factors that could potentially come into play. Yet, regardless of the reasoning, the most disheartening thing is that I didn't see the progress I'd hoped to see in terms of my writing this year. And so, I am <i>determined</i> to make 2018 the year that I write, write and write some more; on this blog and beyond. I want nothing more than to hone this craft and step far out of my comfort zone. Mark my words, 2018 is the year I <i>will</i> do just that.</div><h3 style="text-align: center;">PUSH THE BOUNDARIES WITH MY PERSONAL STYLE.</h3><div>Throughout 2017, I experimented with my personal style more so than ever before and thoroughly enjoyed every single second of it. It was much less about awkwardly staring at myself in the fitting room mirror, asking myself, "<i>But can I actually pull this off?</i>" and much more about buying whatever it was that <i>really</i> appealed to me and <i>making</i> it work. Going into 2018, I feel inspired to push my personal style boundaries <i>even</i> further and, honestly, just have a lot of fun with it along the way. My style is constantly evolving; I'm constantly drawing inspiration from different things; whether it be trends, music or otherwise, and that is something that I want to delve much, <i>much</i> deeper into this coming year.</div><h3 style="text-align: center;">TRAVEL FAR, TRAVEL OFTEN.</h3><div>Despite being an immensely anxious traveller, particularly when it comes to flying; this year I conquered my monstorous fear by travelling on <i>ten</i> separate flights (<i>10!!!</i>), and, lo' and behold, I lived to tell the tale. Abeit each flight was relatively short-haul, nevertheless, I feel extremely proud to look back on 2017 and be able to say that I tackled what is, without question, one of my biggest triggers of anxiety. Prior to this year, travelling almost felt like a tedious chore. It was something that I always&nbsp;<i>just had to get through</i>, which in the end, would exhaust and drain every part of me, mentally and physically. It was like, sure, I can get through the <i>first</i> flight; but the remainder of the trip would be filled with the terrifying thought of flying <i>home</i> again. Yet, making travel by flight such a frequent thing throughout 2017 meant that these fears gradually diminished, and hopping on a plane soon felt as normal as catching a train.</div><div><br /></div><div>And so, it really goes without saying that I hope to continue our travel adventures throughout this coming year. Not only has stepping out of my comfort zone and travelling more frequently helped me to make great progress with handling my anxiety; but it has also created a wealth of incredible memories that will truly last a lifetime. Whether it be short train rides to Dublin or a flight much, much further afield; in 2018 I want to travel far and I want to travel <i>often</i>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G80WUSJCiwk/WkkAQnBXy5I/AAAAAAAAEz8/WRk_kJXCzGEJnbL2HrWKJkHzfABzTlX6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/farewell-2017-22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G80WUSJCiwk/WkkAQnBXy5I/AAAAAAAAEz8/WRk_kJXCzGEJnbL2HrWKJkHzfABzTlX6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/farewell-2017-22.png" /></a></div></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">LOVE AND STRENGTH TO YOU IN 2018.</h3><div>Katy Belle.</div>Don't forget to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-83841181264213208872017-12-17T13:31:00.001+00:002017-12-17T13:31:49.718+00:00A Look At Amsterdam Through Instagram.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQcjPbiNxDk/WjLreZnEn-I/AAAAAAAAEzE/lqMUFBREtqQ_UU2_OIu-AK60zWLzkiEZACLcBGAs/s1600/Image-15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 1" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1163" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQcjPbiNxDk/WjLreZnEn-I/AAAAAAAAEzE/lqMUFBREtqQ_UU2_OIu-AK60zWLzkiEZACLcBGAs/s1600/Image-15.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Oh, Amsterdam.&nbsp;</h3>After three visits in the space of just nine months, I make no hesitations in saying that the Dutch capital has well and truly managed to capture every inch of my heart this year. It's easy to see why Amsterdam has left such an impression on me, even through such brief, fleeting visits. With its cobbled streets, winding canals, stroopwafels at <i>literally</i> every turn and the fact that pancakes are a perfectly acceptable meal at <i>any</i> time of the day. What more could you want?<br /><br />When you take a stroll around the city of Amsterdam, there is no denying the calm, chilled out atmosphere (you can take from <i>that</i> what you will) and I think that's why it holds such a prominent place in my heart. Throughout our visits, we took everything at a steady pace, taking the opportunity to <i>really</i> take in as much of the charming Dutch city as we could. I left my camera back at the hotel and made a point of trying to <i>be in the moment</i> rather than always trying&nbsp;to <i>capture</i> the moment. I mean, don't get me wrong, as much as I would like to have Instagram content and outfit photos for <i>days</i> (without tooting my own horn, my outfits <i>were</i> pretty great); freeing myself from the pressure of creating content whilst trying to enjoy a getaway with my boyfriend was nothing short of <i>liberating </i>(for both of us, probably). And so, sure as sure, I'm <i>slightly</i> lacking in the content side of things from all three of our trips. Though, what I <i>do</i> have, is what you might call a more authentic look at the city through a bunch of spur-of-the-moment Instagram snaps.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIkJ0bzXbHc/WjLriSRfidI/AAAAAAAAEzk/kZ15pJK3g1c9w4W9IeitalIdgbFqDsZXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 2" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIkJ0bzXbHc/WjLriSRfidI/AAAAAAAAEzk/kZ15pJK3g1c9w4W9IeitalIdgbFqDsZXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-8.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_K4XJgZrms/WjLrb2uWD2I/AAAAAAAAEzk/ftoXRCY59V0MpHkr0NeZSytkYqDiaY9bgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 3" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_K4XJgZrms/WjLrb2uWD2I/AAAAAAAAEzk/ftoXRCY59V0MpHkr0NeZSytkYqDiaY9bgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-13.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 3" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Where To Stay</h3>We decided to stay somewhere different each time we visited the city this year. We wanted to keep our first and second visits as <i>budget</i> as possible, as both trips were so close together and each centered around gigs that we were attending, so we really just needed somewhere reasonably priced and conveniently located to lay our heads for two nights.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.hotelcc.nl/" target="_blank">Hotel CC</a></b> is a reasonably priced, budget hotel located just a stone's throw away from Amsterdam's central station and the Red Light District. Although the rooms are tiny and it's not the most luxurious of stays, the spot is so convenient that it's hard to argue. The <b><a href="http://www.atrainhotel.com/" target="_blank">A-Train Hotel</a></b> is another affordable stay, located directly opposite Amsterdam's central station. You'll either love or hate the hotel's quirky train theme; Adam adored it, I remained indifferent, but for such a great price you can't complain. The room was surprisingly spacious, the beds comfortable, and making our way back to central station to catch our flight home was easy peasy; perfect if you're wanting to keep the cost of your trip low.<br /><br />Our most recent stay was in the <a href="https://westcordhotels.com/hotel/fashion-hotel-amsterdam/" target="_blank"><b>WestCord Fashion Hotel</b></a> and, in total truth, I <i>really</i> wanted to rave about this place. I really did. Prior to booking our trip I read a ton of great reviews and was undeniably allured by the thought of the hotel's spa. Being the longest stay out of our three trips, we were willing to pay a little bit more for somewhere <i>slightly</i> more luxurious than where we'd stayed before. Although the hotel <i>was</i> nice, and the room spacious and comfortable; it was the location that ultimately killed it for us. I will admit, I had friends who stayed in the WestCord Fashion Hotel on one of their previous trips, and they <i>did</i> warn me about the rather inconvenient location. Admittedly, after reading the reviews about the hotel itself, and again more importantly, the prospect of making use of the <i>spa</i>; I didn't pay much attention to what I thought would be a minor inconvenience. Safe to say, I was wrong. After using our days to explore and nights to stay out late, we didn't even make use of the spa. I know, <i>I know</i>. And with the hotel located a half hour tram journey from the centre, the time taken to travel back and forth just <i>wasn't</i> worth it. For a city break such as Amsterdam, staying just a stone's throw away from everything you want to see and do is&nbsp;<i>wholly</i> worth it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FsMy6u0U36A/WjLrZ96rhJI/AAAAAAAAEzk/gra71BA2zXMb6W0og-zOghNly-FIGC7aACEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 4" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FsMy6u0U36A/WjLrZ96rhJI/AAAAAAAAEzk/gra71BA2zXMb6W0og-zOghNly-FIGC7aACEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-10.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 4" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atbUov8a_68/WjLrhRRtF-I/AAAAAAAAEzk/MhRpsGGKNgwdP74pAOc1ISzSNYGXP4V4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 5" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atbUov8a_68/WjLrhRRtF-I/AAAAAAAAEzk/MhRpsGGKNgwdP74pAOc1ISzSNYGXP4V4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-7.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 5" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Where To Eat &amp; Drink</h3>With traditional Dutch pancakes and stroopwafels at every turn, there is simply no denying that the city of Amsterdam is home to quite a number of world-renowned delicious eats. And, for Adam and I, the number one thing we love to do when embarking on a city break is hunt out the best places to eat and drink. Not necessarily the fanciest or most expensive spots, but more so those rare gems that you happen upon by chance and fall head over heels in love with. During our visits, it didn't take long for Adam and I to find said gems that we'd already give <i>anything</i> to go back to.<br /><br />Our favourite of the bunch was <a href="http://www.bakersandroasters.com/" target="_blank"><b>Bakers &amp; Roasters</b></a>, a New Zealand style cafe and a perfect spot for breakfast or brunch. With adorable interiors, charming staff and incredible food to boot; this place was an instant winner in our eyes. Adam opted for the Veggie Brekkie, which featured creamy mushrooms, poached eggs on avocado toast and, of course, a delightful helping of grilled halloumi. I went for the Kiwi Brekkie, which included breakfast potatoes, spinach, sausages and bacon. It is a breakfast-lovers dream, and on our most recent trip we shamelessly visited more than once.<br /><br />Another beloved favourite was a drinking spot we happened upon by chance during our first visit before heading to a gig. Located in Leidseplein, the <b><a href="http://waterhole.nl/" target="_blank">Waterhole</a></b> bar ended up being the spot where Adam and I spent almost every night. Considerably cheaper than drinking anywhere near the Red Light District, the Waterhole offers happy hour from 12pm-9pm every single day, with some form of live music every single night to boot. Every night was different, but every night offered the same chilled-out atmosphere and friendly, welcoming vibe. I'd go back there in a heartbeat.<br /><br />A few other honourable mentions in terms of food would include <b><a href="http://www.maozusa.com/restaurants/locations/amsterdam" target="_blank">Maoz</a></b>, a veggie fast-food spot and Adam's undeniable firm favourite. Located in numerous spots across the city, it's the perfect food to grab on the go when exploring. If you're a pancake lover, Pancakes Amsterdam is a must-visit at <i>least</i> once. Offering every style of pancake and topping you could possibly imagine; from traditional Dutch pancakes to American-style pancakes. Pancakes all day, every day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MjwrGaBtgHY/WjLri_Di3VI/AAAAAAAAEzk/sfluluTFCisXElYPIqGEQ7fr1RpMBEzRACEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 6" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MjwrGaBtgHY/WjLri_Di3VI/AAAAAAAAEzk/sfluluTFCisXElYPIqGEQ7fr1RpMBEzRACEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-9.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 6" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VAs2DMyNh2A/WjLrZgsghGI/AAAAAAAAEzk/iTI0ACv_zrAO5YUuEQQ68O3jjO0oGAxqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 7" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VAs2DMyNh2A/WjLrZgsghGI/AAAAAAAAEzk/iTI0ACv_zrAO5YUuEQQ68O3jjO0oGAxqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-1.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 7" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What To Do</h3><div>As mentioned before, every time we visited the city we had plans to attend a gig, the most recent being Enter Shikari (which, by the way, was hands-down one of <i>the</i> best shows I have <i>ever</i> seen). Two out of three of the gigs were located in Amsterdam's Paradiso; a huge venue housing dozens of live shows every week. Even if you head to Amsterdam with no prior plans of attending a gig, there's a great chance there will be <i>something</i> to see during your stay in the city.</div><div><br /></div><div>If gigs aren't your cup of tea, there's truly an abundance of other things to see and do in Amsterdam. You can hit up all of the typically toursity spots, such as the Red Light District, the coffeeshops, the Van Gogh museum, the sex museum and the Anne Frank house to name but a few. Though, without a doubt, one of my favourite things about the city of Amsterdam is the&nbsp;very simple fact that it's just such a great place to explore and take a wander. From Vondelpark to the canals, you can wander around and truly soak up the atmosphere of the Dutch capital to your heart's content.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiRAd4WVWlQ/WjLraabAIPI/AAAAAAAAEzk/clGhXPYtIaYzWlwRXX2aC539WcxyaW8GQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 8" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiRAd4WVWlQ/WjLraabAIPI/AAAAAAAAEzk/clGhXPYtIaYzWlwRXX2aC539WcxyaW8GQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-11.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 8" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByLUy28ZlYc/WjLrg4ttP8I/AAAAAAAAEzk/i-40EiJFN-I6HKTxsBhkSOAeG4HhsqYMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 9" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByLUy28ZlYc/WjLrg4ttP8I/AAAAAAAAEzk/i-40EiJFN-I6HKTxsBhkSOAeG4HhsqYMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-5.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 9" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W97h_RC_e9Q/WjLrhC4FG9I/AAAAAAAAEzk/yGjl1flT5e0CygB_rXiN4OiPdfbJD7_ZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 10" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W97h_RC_e9Q/WjLrhC4FG9I/AAAAAAAAEzk/yGjl1flT5e0CygB_rXiN4OiPdfbJD7_ZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-4.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 10" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What To Wear</h3><div>The forecast for all three of our trips was cold, to say the very least. Visiting the city in February, March and the tail end of November into December does mean that you're going to be in for some <i>rather chilly</i> temperatures. As such, a coat or sweater (or both, in my case) was always essential. I packed my beloved teddy coat, because nothing else I own is quite as comfortable and like wearing a warm hug. I'm really digging different styles of trousers at the moment, so I didn't heistate to pack my <b><a href="http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0585854001.html" target="_blank">H&amp;M red tartan trousers</a></b> (which are an undeniable new favourite) and what I like to refer to as my <b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/rho7" target="_blank">grandpa-esque trousers</a></b> from Urban Outfitters; and both looked pretty great against the charming Amsterdam backdrop. I wore my Vans on my feet every day, because comfort is essential during any and <i>all</i> city breaks.</div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><center>SHOP THIS POST (SIMILAR):</center></h3><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <br /><div class="shopsense-widget" data-mobile-optimize="true" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225a366fab4df128c8911de4d1%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1513516661760?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe frameborder="0" height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225a366fab4df128c8911de4d1%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"> </iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --> <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYDCDQzyGrc/WjLrcl642RI/AAAAAAAAEzk/20RVdSmgdG8lFBU7JKxTqynEcCfGByinQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 11" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYDCDQzyGrc/WjLrcl642RI/AAAAAAAAEzk/20RVdSmgdG8lFBU7JKxTqynEcCfGByinQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Image-14.png" title="a look at amsterdam through instagram travel photo diary city guide 11" /></a></div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Is Amsterdam on your list of places to visit?</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-51246461162385135252017-11-07T20:56:00.000+00:002017-11-08T07:28:15.815+00:00Hello! Let's Catch Up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEWaxFxnEaQ/WgIdQWLCwgI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/r9veTFRrkJMtWop3VymZZJaVBJbXtERkACLcBGAs/s1600/katy-belle-lets-catch-up-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="katy belle let's catch up fashion personal style 1" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEWaxFxnEaQ/WgIdQWLCwgI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/r9veTFRrkJMtWop3VymZZJaVBJbXtERkACLcBGAs/s1600/katy-belle-lets-catch-up-3.png" title="katy belle let's catch up fashion personal style 1" /></a></div><h3><div style="text-align: center;">Grab a cuppa, let's catch up.</div></h3>As I write this, it's Monday. It's Monday and I'm feeling good. It's the start of a brand new week and, as I type these words, I am currently on a train on my way back to the office after getting some blood tests done. Albeit not exactly the <i>ideal</i> way to spend a Monday morn, sure, I can agree with you on that. However, it has been made better by the fact that I just purchased tickets to see Pinegrove (my all-time favourite band, if you didn't already know) across Europe over my birthday week in March. Now, I'm not one for wishing my life away, but holy hell, I need March right <i>now</i>.<br /><br />I digress. Let's get back to the fact that it is a&nbsp;<i>Monday</i> as I note down these whirling thoughts and, for the first time in a very long time, I don't feel like my soul is <i>literally</i> being drained from my body with each passing second. Or like I want to do nothing but retreat back to the comfort of my bed, bury myself in my warm duvet and switch my mind off from anything and <i>everything</i>. No, I'm feeling quite the opposite, actually. After a long period of what can only be described as The Great Big Slump - I'm finally starting to feel motivation creep its way back in and I am <i>absolutely</i> here for it.<br /><br />You see, life has been a little weird, complex and almost overwhelming as of late. After the passing of my beloved grandmother back in September, my mental health took a bad turn. Consequently, I allowed life admin and work-related things pile up on top of me until it almost reached breaking point. Alas, blogging and creating content was, truthfully, the last thing on my mind. As much as I craved a creative outlet, my mind went through a period of what can only be described as complete and utter blankness. Trying to come up with content felt like what I would imagine trying to jump over a 1000ft brick wall might feel like: impossible. It's no secret that dealing with grief is never an easy thing, especially given that it was a process that was entirely new and foreign to me. And, of course, emotions such as grief can only ever be made worse when kept bottled up and to yourself (which, for a few weeks, is <i>exactly</i> what I did).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPXUDpLQub0/WgIdQEijw6I/AAAAAAAAEyM/qQZdi7SbXZwyBTcwey8kPLouqXDCuuJeQCEwYBhgL/s1600/katy-belle-lets-catch-up-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="katy belle let's catch up fashion personal style 2" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1311" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPXUDpLQub0/WgIdQEijw6I/AAAAAAAAEyM/qQZdi7SbXZwyBTcwey8kPLouqXDCuuJeQCEwYBhgL/s1600/katy-belle-lets-catch-up-1.png" title="katy belle let's catch up fashion personal style 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AoJLZUJr7M8/WgIdRcqNa5I/AAAAAAAAEyY/FeShxE0VenMwcawFqd7Qxep79HMXyQASACEwYBhgL/s1600/katy-belle-lets-catch-up-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="katy belle let's catch up fashion personal style 3" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AoJLZUJr7M8/WgIdRcqNa5I/AAAAAAAAEyY/FeShxE0VenMwcawFqd7Qxep79HMXyQASACEwYBhgL/s1600/katy-belle-lets-catch-up-4.png" title="katy belle let's catch up fashion personal style 3" /></a></div><br />Thankfully, I'm finally beginning to feel more like myself again. I'm talking more about how I feel thus lightening the load of burdens that have been weighing me down. That said, grief is a complex process. Much more complicated than I ever imagined it to be, and although it's not something you can just "get over" in a matter of weeks, it <i>is</i> something that you can learn to process in a healthy manner. It's taking time, but with each passing day, I <i>am</i> getting better at it.<br /><br /><i>This</i> particular Monday feels like a significant stepping stone - a stepping stone for my mental health, my motivation and for truly getting back into the swing of things and putting my utmost effort into my endeavours. When it comes to this blog, for the greater part of this year, it has felt like I've just hit one road-block after another. It all began around April time when I started to feel slightly disillusioned with blogging, then writer's block hit during summer and lasted for what felt like approximately 84 years, and then my creativity spiralled when my mental health took a dip. All the while, I was putting a monumental amount of pressure on myself to create, create, create - even when I physically couldn't bring myself to. Disclaimer: it is never, ever, ever, ever, EVER a good idea to do that to yourself. Just FYI.<br /><br />And so, here I am - ready to once again immerse myself in what I love to do. For the first time in a very long time, I finally feel like I can - like I <i>want</i> to - come up with new, exciting ideas, shoot a bunch of photos with my incredibly talented photographer boyfriend during the weekends and write, write, write to my heart's content. I want to push the boundaries of what I do, both on this blog and in my working life. And while I do so, remember that it is both okay <i>and</i> extremely important to regularly check-in with myself and remember that taking time for self-care is so&nbsp;<i>necessary</i>.<br /><br />Anyway, enough about me and how I've been - how have <i>you</i> been? Please tell me you've been obsessing over Stranger Things 2 just as much as I have? (Because in case you couldn't already tell - I <i>have</i>). Over the last week I have been positively <i>immersed</i> in the upside down and I have been loving every single second of it. So much so, in fact, that I couldn't resist buying a piece of merchandise from Topshop's exclusive Stranger Things range - the nostalgic feel of the bike print blue sweatshirt caught my eye immediately and I added it to my basket faster than you could say <i>Eggos</i>. Sadly, the majority of the range is now sold out, and to my dismay I don't believe it will be restocked (I <i>knew</i> I should have picked up more pieces) - but I'm <i>sure</i> there will be similar things to be found in the depths of online shopping.<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Shop the post (similar):</h3><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-mobile-optimize="true" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225a0222d04df128892bbf31c6%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1510088725472?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe frameborder="0" height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225a0222d04df128892bbf31c6%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center>I paired the sweatshirt with my beloved <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/mGGt" target="_blank"><b>teddy coat</b></a> (which I'm still <i>totally</i> obsessed with and you'll likely see more of in the months to come, as it's the cosiest piece of clothing I have <i>ever</i> owned), <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/mGF9" target="_blank"><b>these straight leg ankle grazer jeans</b></a> (which are a staple for the new season and perfect for everyday), <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/mHfF" target="_blank"><b>my favourite pair of flats</b></a> (that continue to prove they go with pretty much <i>everything in </i>my wardrobe) and my <i>other</i> latest obsession - my baker boy hat.<br /><br />So there you have it - a pretty clear yet concise overview of why I've been so AWOL lately, what's been happening, what I've been obsessing over and&nbsp;<i>of course,</i> not forgetting, what I've been wearing through it all. Here's hoping I can continue to share a lot more of that, with a bunch of other cool things and a regular pinch of positivity from hereon out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUH1g4tKmbw/WgIdQQrC9NI/AAAAAAAAEyc/dKxNQ2CYwH8XRLCtzggYUGFrsKoxZEuaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/katy-belle-lets-catch-up-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="katy belle let's catch up fashion personal style 4" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUH1g4tKmbw/WgIdQQrC9NI/AAAAAAAAEyc/dKxNQ2CYwH8XRLCtzggYUGFrsKoxZEuaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/katy-belle-lets-catch-up-2.png" title="katy belle let's catch up fashion personal style 4" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What have you been up to lately?</h3><div><br /></div>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-74463946375118559732017-10-20T22:01:00.000+01:002017-10-23T08:26:17.718+01:00The Multi-Coloured Sweater I Can't Get Enough Of.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNEg4Bv3i0c/Wephuwr2grI/AAAAAAAAExY/InBstHk6kSYA37zkyY_QoQJO0-GQo46_QCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 1" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNEg4Bv3i0c/Wephuwr2grI/AAAAAAAAExY/InBstHk6kSYA37zkyY_QoQJO0-GQo46_QCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-8.png" title="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Yet another case of The One.</h3>If you happen to be an avid reader of my blog&nbsp;you might remember, not too long ago, <a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/07/i-just-really-love-this-jacket.html" target="_blank"><b>I talked about happening upon The One</b></a>. And no, to clarify, I'm not talking about my long-term partner in this case (sorry, Adam). To give your mind a refresh, or to give you an introduction if you perhaps happened to miss out previously; The One, in this particular context, is a specific garment that has the power to make you believe in love at first sight. No,&nbsp;<i>I'm serious</i>. It's like this: The One makes you feel like your wardrobe has been utterly deprived until you the very moment you happen upon It, and like it will never really be fully complete without It. (That is, of course, until the next One comes around...)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDpFHglcRAk/WephtiJfBrI/AAAAAAAAExE/7OnicqLCSd8SFd2iA-XztF-QlVxi2luZgCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 2" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDpFHglcRAk/WephtiJfBrI/AAAAAAAAExE/7OnicqLCSd8SFd2iA-XztF-QlVxi2luZgCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-3.png" title="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQkwY3efJV0/WephteqwBUI/AAAAAAAAExA/Yx2wmQTcBpYNyUISsYLYOeY8BODOcNAyQCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 3" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQkwY3efJV0/WephteqwBUI/AAAAAAAAExA/Yx2wmQTcBpYNyUISsYLYOeY8BODOcNAyQCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-1.png" title="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 3" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjUpjiV9x1g/WephuFCvSoI/AAAAAAAAExM/PLi-I5MvXnU8ylAUyXaCj4ZGCWWj7-2-QCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 4" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjUpjiV9x1g/WephuFCvSoI/AAAAAAAAExM/PLi-I5MvXnU8ylAUyXaCj4ZGCWWj7-2-QCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-4.png" title="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 4" /></a></div><br />My most recent case of The One (because yes, it happens <i>often</i>, perhaps <i>too</i> often in my case) comes in the form of this sickeningly-sweet multi-coloured Missguided sweater; and I <i>can't</i> get enough of it. After spotting it adorned by Holly from The Kitty Luxe, I had a <i>holy-shit-I-need-this-in-my-life-right-now</i> kind of moment and frantically placed my order before it sold out in my size. (Thankfully, this impulse-buy&nbsp;<i>didn't</i> turn out to be&nbsp;a case of <a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/09/6-things-i-totally-regret-buying-tbh.html" target="_blank"><b>buyer's remorse</b></a>).<br /><br />As I usually do with sweaters and jackets, I opted for one size up to give myself a little extra room. Although it <i>is</i> pretty roomy already, one size up is just about right for tucking into jeans without too much excess fabric, or to hang loose without looking like I'm being drowned. It's versatility and ability to be paired with anything from your trusty black skinny jeans, to mom jeans, to a statement vinyl skirt makes it an easy win. And those <i>colours</i>. It's a <i>different</i> kind of piece to add to your wardrobe this autumn. It's certainly not just another one of your standard mustard-coloured sweaters. Which, don't get me wrong, I <i>love</i>. I'll take&nbsp;<i>all</i> of the mustards and burgundies to see me through the remaining months of the year. But this sweater is something more of a <i>statement</i>; and a totally adorable one, at that.<br /><br />All in all, a girl can never have too many chunky, cosy knits at this time of the year and this one is thoroughly deserving of <i>all</i>&nbsp;the praise, in my eyes at least. If you're as smitten as I just so happen to be, fingers crossed you can track it down in your size. If not, I've hunted out a whole bunch of similar options; one of which might just become <i>The One</i> for you. <br /><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-mobile-optimize="true" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2259ea54ff2391f3b5b84fb67e%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1508528971247?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe frameborder="0" height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2259ea54ff2391f3b5b84fb67e%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe></div></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KBcKbcc9uw8/WephudM6CjI/AAAAAAAAExQ/INWogewTYFM3A1BSnq_BmYkDKJapjNFtQCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 5" border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1000" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KBcKbcc9uw8/WephudM6CjI/AAAAAAAAExQ/INWogewTYFM3A1BSnq_BmYkDKJapjNFtQCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-5.png" title="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCc_F7vKNiU/WephtpfL57I/AAAAAAAAExI/YgMRHOL-LPIAdaAvnhnD2PJdjz2uXiNXwCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 6" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCc_F7vKNiU/WephtpfL57I/AAAAAAAAExI/YgMRHOL-LPIAdaAvnhnD2PJdjz2uXiNXwCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-2.png" title="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 6" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zsTjB4NUk0/WephvLSIRBI/AAAAAAAAExc/bQMz1MIuEyc4PxGgM9AUCQ-amVOFJoflwCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 7" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zsTjB4NUk0/WephvLSIRBI/AAAAAAAAExc/bQMz1MIuEyc4PxGgM9AUCQ-amVOFJoflwCLcBGAs/s1600/missguided-multi-coloured-sweater-9.png" title="the multi coloured sweater i can't get enough of missguided personal style fashion 7" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Are you obsessing over any recent purchases?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-66862775342742791432017-09-27T08:07:00.000+01:002017-12-06T20:28:23.461+00:006 Things I Regret Buying, TBH.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBBxtwgpdqI/WclfMWs3ssI/AAAAAAAAEwI/QHQHWsul-5EPDBDKRdZU5NAAVoapjL3GgCLcBGAs/s1600/things-i-regret-buying-tbh.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="6 things i totally regret buying tbh personal humour" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBBxtwgpdqI/WclfMWs3ssI/AAAAAAAAEwI/QHQHWsul-5EPDBDKRdZU5NAAVoapjL3GgCLcBGAs/s1600/things-i-regret-buying-tbh.png" title="6 things i totally regret buying tbh personal humour" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: this post is inspired by <a href="http://www.manrepeller.com/2017/09/buyers-remorse.html" target="_blank">this</a> hilarious Man Repeller article because I. FREAKIN'. RELATE.</span></div><br />I have a confession to make: I am, what they call, an impulse buyer. Like, I'm actually <i>genuinely</i> concerned that I have a spending problem. But, okay, I'll give myself <i>some</i> credit; I've gotten a little better at curbing my spending habits over the years. Alas, there <i>are</i> still times where my impulse control hops right on out the window and I'm left with nothing but regret. To illustrate this, here's a list of some <i>really</i> pointless shit I've bought, yet still somehow refused to return.<br /><h3>1. A clear kettle.</h3>Right around the time Adam and I were moving into our home together, I found myself on Snapchat watching a popular blogger show off her latest homeware purchases. One of the items was a <i>gorgeous</i> clear kettle, and I was head over heels in love from the moment she snapped a 5-second video of the boiling water bouncing and bubbling behind the clear casing. Needless to say, I gave in to <i>sheer</i> impulse and bought it almost instantaneously for our new home. Honest thoughts? Aesthetic AF in theory, but an absolute bitch to keep clean. 0/10, not worth the hassle.<br /><h3>2. Books, because they 'look cool'.</h3>I wholeheartedly blame Instagram for this <i>totally</i> embarrassing confession. Yes folks, I literally bought books with my hard-earned money because I thought they <i>looked</i> cool. I thought they would look aesthetic AF in an Instagram flatlay. Did they? Yes. But have I<i> actually</i> read them? You bet your sweet ass I have <i>not</i>. Yes, apparently I <i>am</i> that person.<br /><h3>3. A white faux fur rug.</h3>Again, this purchase was entirely enabled by Instagram and fellow bloggers (which I'm beginning to realise seems to be an unhealthy pattern in my purchase history). Now, don't get me wrong, white faux fur rugs are beautiful and aesthetic; that much is true. But they are, like the aforementioned kettle, a total <i>bitch</i> to keep clean. One day, I was just minding my own business, and I shit you not, a huge spider bolted out from within the <i>depths</i> of the rug. No <i>freakin'</i>&nbsp;thank you.<br /><h3>4. A £24 shampoo.</h3>Now, listen. I understand that professional, salon quality shampoos and conditioners are generally much better for your hair than your standard, run-of-the-mill drugstore options (at least, I <i>think</i> so, I mean, I'm clearly no hair expert). However, this particular £24 bottle of shampoo (a shampoo that cost <i>twenty-four</i> Great British Pounds) left my hair feeling sticky and greasier than before; and made my entire being feel nothing but very deep&nbsp;<i>regret</i>.<br /><h3>5. 'Ordinary World' on DVD.</h3>If you follow me on social media, you'll know that I finally joined the Green Day party (albeit twenty-something years late). As such, my love for Billie Joe Armstrong currently knows no bounds and I thought it would be a really good idea to purchase the DVD copy of his recent film, 'Ordinary World'. Y'all, I love him, I <i>really</i> do. But it's a <i>terrible</i> film. Like, I can't even put into words how bad it is. Billie's acting is actually <i>really</i> great, but the writing. The <i>writing.</i>&nbsp;And I mean, do people even <i>buy</i> DVDs anymore? Is this considered retro on my part? Am I old? Sorry, Billie.<br /><h3>6. A yellow armchair from IKEA.</h3>I love IKEA. I do. Half of the furniture in my house comes from IKEA. However, I feel nothing but regret when I look at our yellow armchair. It's cute and quirky, but practically speaking, it could <i>not</i> be more uncomfortable to sit on. You literally <i>don't</i> want to sit on this thing. There is little difference between sitting on it and sitting on our cold, hard, wooden floor. But we decided to keep it, because as I said, it's cute and quirky. And we sit on the sofa instead...<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Do you regret any recent purchases?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-88269982101377796822017-09-25T08:08:00.000+01:002017-09-27T08:12:16.183+01:00A Few Ways To Grow Your Confidence In Fashion Blogging.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3m40u-P6rY/WctOu_to7gI/AAAAAAAAEwo/jRlArNR87kQkzUuI6-YGl1h_VNRX6_6fACEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging personal style 1" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3m40u-P6rY/WctOu_to7gI/AAAAAAAAEwo/jRlArNR87kQkzUuI6-YGl1h_VNRX6_6fACEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-9.png" title="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging personal style 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Overcoming your fashion blogging fears.</h3>Curating style content is one of my favourite parts of curating this blog as a whole. Doing so gives me the opportunity to share my voice and share what I love; all whilst appealing to and forever broadening my creativity. Over the years, I truly feel like I've grown in confidence with my personal style and, I won't lie, I genuinely feel <i>shamelessly</i> proud of the style visuals I share with every post. Nevertheless, don't get me wrong; things haven't <i>always</i> ran so smoothly.<br /><br />Remembering right back to when I first started my blog; more than anything, I wanted to delve into the world of fashion blogging. More than <i>anything</i>, I wanted to experiment with my personal style and document it on my blog; I wanted to start discussions and share inspirations. Alas, I had <i>no</i> idea where to start. The very thought of even <i>trying</i> to be <i>anything</i> like the model-esque fashion blogging babes that adorned my Instagram feed was enough to make me cringe to my core. For a long time I told myself that there was&nbsp;<i>no way</i> could I <i>ever</i> pull it off as well as they did.<br /><br />Unsurprisingly, telling myself this led to many disastrous attempts at shooting outfits. I vividly remember my first few shoots ending with unnecessary bickering and tears of frustration. Looking back on it now, I realise that the heightened nerves and pent-up frustration stemmed from telling myself I <i>couldn't. </i>I was&nbsp;constantly telling myself that&nbsp;I <i>couldn't</i> compare to those already doing it. "<i>What's the point?</i>" was a phrase I often repeated through my frustrated sobs. It didn't help that we were trying to shoot in public places (errr, no thanks) and I wasn't 100% comfortable with my style.<br /><br />Frankly, it has taken a phenomenal amount of trial and error for me to overcome my fashion blogging fears over the years. Once upon a time, being in front of the lens with zero control made me calm up and want to give up on what I love to do. Now, almost every time, we can bang out a shoot in 30 minutes or less, follow it up with a tasty brunch and feel a huge amount of pride for the end result. It certainly takes time. If you're thinking of dipping your toes into the world of fashion blogging (and you <i>absolutely</i> should, if it's your thing) here are a few ways to grow your confidence.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJvS9Y-TBOo/WctO69v_x2I/AAAAAAAAEws/Ghj61_yz4Ic-Xl1EkWEzV8lGK2FENIh4gCLcBGAs/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging personal style 2" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJvS9Y-TBOo/WctO69v_x2I/AAAAAAAAEws/Ghj61_yz4Ic-Xl1EkWEzV8lGK2FENIh4gCLcBGAs/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-5.png" title="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging personal style 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGHiI3WWBnE/WcgU9gAhSqI/AAAAAAAAEv4/QFncF4iWE3Ez77xSNnAGUyl1n4q6nG1LwCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 3" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGHiI3WWBnE/WcgU9gAhSqI/AAAAAAAAEv4/QFncF4iWE3Ez77xSNnAGUyl1n4q6nG1LwCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-7.png" title="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 3" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qsxejqb_9X4/WcgU78QqbZI/AAAAAAAAEwA/nxIT-KyeycI2xfp20_nIqDWA7SOl14L9ACEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 4" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qsxejqb_9X4/WcgU78QqbZI/AAAAAAAAEwA/nxIT-KyeycI2xfp20_nIqDWA7SOl14L9ACEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-4.png" title="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 4" /></a></div><h3>Shoot with someone you are comfortable with.</h3>I simply cannot stress this point enough; who you choose to shoot with is such an important part of curating style content. It <i>directly</i> impacts your confidence. All of my style content is shot by my wonderful boyfriend, Adam. Without his incredible help, I wouldn't be able to create such beautiful visuals to share with each post (thanks, boo). Now, don't get me wrong; in the beginning, we both had to find our feet with it. Neither of us really knew what we were doing; that fact, combined with my nerves and insecurities, often resulted in unnecessary bickering. That said, I certainly wouldn't go back and change those experiences. Each disastrous shoot was a learning curve for both of us; one step towards better understanding how each other worked. I'm wholeheartedly grateful that Adam allowed me to learn and grow with him in that way; I think if I'd tried to shoot with a stranger in the beginning, I would've <i>never</i> tried again.<br /><br />That said, that's just <i>me</i>. You might have a totally different outlook on the whole thing; perhaps the thought of shooting with a total stranger actually makes you feel <i>more</i> comfortable than banging out semi-embarrassing poses in front of someone you know. You need to figure out what will work for <i>you</i>. And let's not forget, if you simply can't stand the thought of shooting with <i>anyone</i> at all - do it yourself! Set your camera on a tripod and just freakin'&nbsp;<i>go for it</i>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>SHOP THE POST (SIMILAR):</b></div><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2259961737e7055af7cce7a8fa%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1506286512495?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe frameborder="0" height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2259961737e7055af7cce7a8fa%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center><h3>Choose a quiet location.</h3>I get it; it's all too tempting to try to replicate typically beautiful fashion blogger images, posed in the middle of a busy city street, adorned with blurred pedestrians in the background. After all, said images encapsulate the very <i>essence</i> of 'street style'. That said, the thought of standing in front of a lens, banging out poses, with what feels like a million eyes burning into your back; it's <i>never</i> going to be everyone's cup of tea. Even now, I still struggle to shoot in busy locations. It doesn't take much to convince yourself that everyone is staring at you, laughing at you, judging the <i>hell out of you</i>.<br /><br />If you're putting off delving into fashion blogging because the thought of shooting outfits in public gives you the heebie-jeebies; chill. It doesn't mean your only options are your bedroom or your garden; there are so many ways you can still encapsulate the essence of street style without having to worry about the eyes of the general public. Shooting an outfit in a certain location, on a particular day, at a certain time, can make a <i>world</i> of difference as to how busy it is. Adam and I typically shoot early on a Saturday or Sunday morning before people start to show up; it means we can shoot in some great locations, minus dozens of people, and be done by brunch. You&nbsp;<i>don't</i> have to feel limited by your location.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdLSoynJ7eI/WcgU1VK51II/AAAAAAAAEv4/1bBcyva9BigYNnR6kep_flOZDvH3XnKfQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 5" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdLSoynJ7eI/WcgU1VK51II/AAAAAAAAEv4/1bBcyva9BigYNnR6kep_flOZDvH3XnKfQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-2.png" title="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPzZ_fQQi3U/WcgVDdVD_lI/AAAAAAAAEv4/FQuI_xoyKYUnmQUj2BV4RKU6dHEEAInOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 6" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPzZ_fQQi3U/WcgVDdVD_lI/AAAAAAAAEv4/FQuI_xoyKYUnmQUj2BV4RKU6dHEEAInOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-8.png" title="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 6" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-citcAyBhPt4/WcgU75jQDKI/AAAAAAAAEv4/EoH1H-XUON0JUbz6IaRhctxmyUrZgeJXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 7" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-citcAyBhPt4/WcgU75jQDKI/AAAAAAAAEv4/EoH1H-XUON0JUbz6IaRhctxmyUrZgeJXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-1.png" title="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 7" /></a></div><h3>Do your own thing.</h3>Part of the reason I felt so frustrated in my early days of curating style content was because, every shoot, I <i>desperately</i> tried to emulate what I'd already seen before. Everything from similar locations, to the poses, to the styles; I tried so hard to be something that was so far away from myself that, unsurprisingly, I failed every single time. Trying to be something that you are not inevitably sucks the fun out of <i>whatever</i> it is you're doing. I quickly learned that being inspired by the <i>ferociously</i> talented content creators on my Instagram feed was cool; but ultimately, I <i>had</i> to do my <i>own</i> thing. Doing your own thing allows your personality shine and is, at the end of the day, what will make your content entirely unique to you. Dress for yourself and for your style, and have fun experimenting with your own personal style instead of trying to imitate others. Don't do what has already been done a dozen times over - do <i>you</i>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V0RlrKn4-RQ/WcgU9V18wMI/AAAAAAAAEv4/sZ0y7yTZuRc8XfbwuJWrNMzGsEUQ2uFHACEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 8" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V0RlrKn4-RQ/WcgU9V18wMI/AAAAAAAAEv4/sZ0y7yTZuRc8XfbwuJWrNMzGsEUQ2uFHACEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-6.png" title="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 8" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BmukQuPCxII/WcgVC3NbV7I/AAAAAAAAEv4/uRYINy3QvQEyvCRczfRviK9NVSNL_RRrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 9" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BmukQuPCxII/WcgVC3NbV7I/AAAAAAAAEv4/uRYINy3QvQEyvCRczfRviK9NVSNL_RRrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogging-tips-10.png" title="a few ways to grow your confidence in fashion blogging tips personal style 9" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Do you have any tips for fashion blogging?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-76288951039055052702017-09-18T08:05:00.000+01:002017-09-25T10:03:20.250+01:00Photo Diary: Disneyland Paris.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 1" border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKpmy4s_meA/WZNZirh5YNI/AAAAAAAAEq4/gKTfwwj8TFEMUAXj8mUAq9SM65bIr9nvwCLcBGAs/s1600/disneyland-paris-7.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">It started with a mouse.</h3>Like the overgrown children we are, Adam and I just returned back to Northern Ireland after a long-weekend trip to Disneyland Paris. It was my third visit overall and second accompanied by Adam; booked rather spontaneously after we felt incredibly jealous of Adam's family's trip there earlier in the year. We decided to book three nights in the beautiful Relais Spa Hotel situated in Val d'Europe, just a handy five-minute metro ride from Marne-la-Vallée, where Disneyland is located. Truth be told, after a few rather notably stressful months in work (and in life in general), a stay in a relaxing spa hotel and a visit to one of the most magical places in the world was <i>exactly</i> what the doctor ordered.<br /><br />After walking the full length of the parks a dozen times over two days in a row, we're currently feeling positively <i>exhausted</i>. Nevertheless, it was entirely worth it. From fulfilling a childhood dream of interacting with my undeniable favourite classic Disney character, Pluto, to starting our Sunday morning off on Crush's Coaster, to going on Star Tours about one-hundred times because it really is <i>that</i> good; we savoured every single second of our time spent there. Our trip was made all the more special by the fact that Disneyland Paris is currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary. With special shows, character appearances and limited edition snacks to boot; it was something truly magical to be a part of.<br /><br />Before I go any further, I must say the most <i>eternal</i> thank you to Adam for snapping these photos on my camera during our time in the parks. From outfits to Disney, his photography talents continually blow my mind and I am incredibly thankful that he has given me permission to edit the following photos and publish them together in this photo diary.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 2" border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="1000" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rquCPa38VGQ/WZNZgOCy00I/AAAAAAAAEqk/dXV4HVNKODQFCHQMSIFlgjJOFg1Q_u9rACEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-20.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 3" border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1000" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9411F6_z1Y/WZNZfwD1xJI/AAAAAAAAEqg/iFCwatJ3Ds0EbBT2G_RcGhRyNejwiscmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-21.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 3" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 4" border="0" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vfk_hiJEzyo/WZNZay7oFlI/AAAAAAAAEqA/MyKGAeO9kysubKxe4q47m_oyK8ETlC0JACEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-14.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 4" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 5" border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="1000" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDF0KBtwDGI/WZNZiTtr-eI/AAAAAAAAEq0/TKBy5OeanQAL_OZcP59GkM1grDP1jPIcACEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-6.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 6" border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndIDpuMuprM/WZNZjL2GwCI/AAAAAAAAEq8/MQCiXN-wzq86q8ZahcjidUC0HmqFUW7lQCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-8.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 6" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 7" border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8a0XgHtFtY/WZNZhyk_GgI/AAAAAAAAEqw/t1ubQqZVAvMmwMUdOKKMZTYHkFPaANDTwCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-5.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 7" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 8" border="0" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="1000" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ybmANcIUhI/WZNZdUex2XI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/yKHtYZgd_2gi8D1lDS93-U3Cylxx7XVagCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-17.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 8" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 9" border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1000" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYQnHX3nPXc/WZNZgCsd9TI/AAAAAAAAEqo/lBGZgz4BLOUandfmoJjF0jV8JsgpqOVyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-3.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 9" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 10" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eCHXXYMpj-M/WZNZcPi16FI/AAAAAAAAEqM/EmluYteh7roDR20qmN0kZTa2O7FHHCPRwCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-16.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 10" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 11" border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1000" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0onSOBJXQM/WZNZg4x-j4I/AAAAAAAAEqs/IMQlIrS8dPAtRedDasu_HubWQMsLdamLACEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-4.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 11" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 12" border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1000" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1G-3EJZ4RWU/WZNZZHbAZOI/AAAAAAAAEp0/caJUKkRJz_g85KMbrkMFSp3shj2OqKF8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-1.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 12" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 13" border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1000" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnK8yzXzOso/WZNZeF2fCEI/AAAAAAAAEqY/MeNmeLNE5zENEZMV4ECVDVkuC3q9NAHkgCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-18.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 13" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 14" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ddOH8rVwVw4/WZNZY8ZM9xI/AAAAAAAAEpw/pD4T4MLQzM4jJp8-lxA6ztT0NpMrBLcawCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-11.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 14" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 15" border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1000" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kzw518A5dkc/WZNZYwf7DxI/AAAAAAAAEp4/XFmRS8ui7mAugRHjN-WvjSPCT3YKJETwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-10.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 15" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 16" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VT4FvF3RUxA/WZNZaMDhI5I/AAAAAAAAEqE/B7of9NM7eDQlE2wjAvCteiVusspFTIbKACEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-12.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 16" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 17" border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1000" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFiYP69xRyQ/WZNZaptaPaI/AAAAAAAAEp8/VKx-QKTqN0wJuM3z2w_H-V7M1G2oF1QSgCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-13.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 17" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 18" border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1000" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1P8DP3Z4YU/WZNZd39Jf-I/AAAAAAAAEqU/KoyCtngUQz87N41T2WSWmluDWxXeERxBACEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-19.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 18" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 19" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ShQYwY9hM0/WZNZjQKaXCI/AAAAAAAAErA/rphFNAkilHUmLsgxC2Bx4ZLOZuZ8QshaACEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-9.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 19" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 20" border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1000" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hE9YkpvmfK0/WZNZekguIDI/AAAAAAAAEqc/_K10JnpG-csU0wCa3Lgm0HIGIQbIeM8hwCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-2.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 20" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/photo-diary-disneyland-paris.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 21" border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1000" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4l8DxR-zFYk/WZNZcM7oMJI/AAAAAAAAEqI/eWVj9X2fqrELtrPkeZXvKxUoa4-5nXBkwCEwYBhgL/s1600/disneyland-paris-15.png" title="disneyland paris walt disney travel photo diary 21" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Have you ever visited Disneyland Paris?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>! Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-72522450247167724432017-08-18T08:15:00.000+01:002017-08-18T11:43:51.468+01:00Musing On Growing Up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/musing-on-growing-up.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 1" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8YXRn-CVFg/WZYWjB_aaDI/AAAAAAAAEsE/n4BmKsm-6mUDIZhb0ckswB6WSyZT1b_BQCLcBGAs/s1600/so-when-do-i-start-feeling-like-a-grown-up-15.png" title="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">"Growing up" is weird.</h3>When I was little, I used to look up at all of the adults that surrounded me and pondered about the day that I magically morphed into a full-fledged, fully functioning adult human. How and when it was going to happen, I had no idea. Truth be told, my main concern was turning 18 so that I could finally, freely attend 18+ gigs (<i>I'm serious</i>). And yet, even when it finally happened, I still didn't quite feel like a "grown up". Even when I moved out of my mother's home and off to university, I still didn't quite feel like a "grown up" (in fact, that time of my life may have been the <i>least</i> "grown up" I've ever felt). Even now, two years into living with my boyfriend of almost five years and almost one whole year into my first big-girl job, I <i>still</i>&nbsp;don't always feel like a "grown up". So, when <i>do</i> I start feeling like a "grown up"?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/musing-on-growing-up.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 2" border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1000" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YI_SWL5H3FM/WZYTJNIaLJI/AAAAAAAAEr8/FrYCaj07FvwkCh-KQ00AetbT2CpeDSyvgCEwYBhgL/s1600/so-when-do-i-start-feeling-like-a-grown-up-6.png" title="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/musing-on-growing-up.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 3" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9ScbshWiuA/WZYTKSJAZvI/AAAAAAAAEr8/Xv2ezPS1xIUztRSoWsMV8zaGfF18BrtGACEwYBhgL/s1600/so-when-do-i-start-feeling-like-a-grown-up-8.png" title="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 3" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/musing-on-growing-up.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 4" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cuCZIb7y77U/WZYTJLk7XEI/AAAAAAAAEr8/49eFJbMAFaQoomJFnjaq7i1apo4a9F5wgCEwYBhgL/s1600/so-when-do-i-start-feeling-like-a-grown-up-4.png" title="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 4" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Shop the jacket:</h3><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2259961737e7055af7cce7a8fa%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1503008444957?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2259961737e7055af7cce7a8fa%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center>When my mother was 23 years old, she was already married and in the midst of raising her eldest child like the total boss-lady she is. Although I shouldn't compare my mother's life to mine, I can't help but feel somewhat strange when I think about it. At 23, she was already a <i>proper</i> "grown up". Is that the direction I <i>should</i> be heading? Because, listen,&nbsp;I'm not even <i>close</i> to that. Like, not even a little bit. I have been living and breathing for twenty-three years on this planet and I have only <i>just</i> recently gotten into Green Day <i>and</i> I'm considering dyeing my hair black. <i>That's</i> where I'm at. Do I sound <i>at all </i>ready to raise another human being to you? (Spoiler alert: the answer is a very definitive <i>no</i>).<br /><br />So, I know I'm not ready to pop out any babies anytime soon, sure; but it's hard not to feel even a tiny bit of pressure when everyone around you seems to be on the same path to "growing up" i.e. getting married, buying houses and having kids. The majority of people that I went to school with are married and have children of their own. Even my best friend in the world just got engaged and has a mortgage. Me? I just booked my fourth European trip of the year to see a band and the thought of taking out a mortgage and buying a house rarely crosses my mind. I <i>literally</i> just got back from a weekend of acting like a big kid in Disneyland. I forget to make dentist appointments and, with zero hesitations, I always call my mum at any slight adult inconvenience. Did I mention I only <i>just</i> got into Green Day?!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/musing-on-growing-up.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 5" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMFh3Y1f-Yo/WZYTGnIpT3I/AAAAAAAAEr8/13LTZBkqD-gJQAgUZhO7pUM114POfUNsQCEwYBhgL/s1600/so-when-do-i-start-feeling-like-a-grown-up-1.png" title="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/musing-on-growing-up.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 6" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nF0grLa6mg0/WZYTIV5ToZI/AAAAAAAAEr8/3vRHaeR9otUbanVdKTwbXuK7Le_P6t_1QCEwYBhgL/s1600/so-when-do-i-start-feeling-like-a-grown-up-3.png" title="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 6" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/musing-on-growing-up.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 7" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnz-U_zsLXM/WZYTJvYlh-I/AAAAAAAAEr8/_mrREaH7J5IiYAFgV97djL98toLUyZklgCEwYBhgL/s1600/so-when-do-i-start-feeling-like-a-grown-up-7.png" title="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 7" /></a></div><br />If I were to end this verging-on-a-life-crisis-ramble here, I'd say; okay, I am so screwed! Adulting is not for me, I am doomed! It's the end of the world as I know it! But, you know, growing up (and the societal pressures behind the term "growing up" - particularly for women) is <i>weird</i>. Alongside the basic stuff like remembering to pay your bills on time and <i>actually doing your laundry</i> so you won't be forced to wear your underwear inside out; it's almost as if there exists a societal pressure of women not being considered fully-fledged "grown ups" until they have children of their own. But what if you don't <i>want</i> to have children? What if you can't? What if it just isn't feasible for your lifestyle? And, what if you don't want to get married? What if buying property doesn't appeal to you at all? If you don't give in to these societal norms of "growing up" does it mean you're doomed to be stuck in a weird not-quite-grown-up limbo forever? How can you <i>ever</i> define <i>the</i> moment that you magically morph into that fully-fledged, fully functioning adult human?!<br /><br />What I've learned upon musing on all of this is: you can't. There isn't a single, definitive&nbsp;<i>moment</i>. Life is awkward and weird. But when I compare who I am today to who I was when I was 18 years old I can see that I have in fact "grown up". I have matured and learned and grown as a person; at the end of the day, those are the fundamentals of what "growing up" is <i>really</i> all about. It's just hard to notice it happening because time goes by so damn quickly. (Side note: in comparison to my 18 year old self, I now know how to <i>actually</i> work a washing machine and what days my bins go out, woo!) Whether you choose to get married and have children, or don't, or simply spend the rest of your life travelling to different countries to see bands perform <i>*ahem*</i> you <i>are</i>&nbsp;a fully-fledged, fully functioning adult human.<br /><br />Alas, I believe that no matter how old you are, how old you feel, how "grown up" you might be or how much you believe you have your life together; there will always be those moments where you'll feel like an overgrown child trapped in an adult's body, wanting to call your mum for help at the slightest inconvenience (like when you're trying to poach an egg and you <i>just</i> can't get it right, how <i>do</i> you do it, mum?!) We <i>all </i>have those moments. But we've <i>got </i>this.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/musing-on-growing-up.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 8" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiXr6h7mnTY/WZYTKlwqDeI/AAAAAAAAEr8/JHGPD_ilD-cQpGItEZ0VBFLxMfKoGhkPACEwYBhgL/s1600/so-when-do-i-start-feeling-like-a-grown-up-9.png" title="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 8" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/musing-on-growing-up.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 9" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25xYTDWN5gw/WZYTG1sUj1I/AAAAAAAAEr8/-W0LFOWDKAQpLXOeMGEJ4FygAe_MR3QLQCEwYBhgL/s1600/so-when-do-i-start-feeling-like-a-grown-up-10.png" title="so when do i start feeling like a grown up thought fashion personal style 9" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What are your thoughts on being a "grown up"?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-59533811192610183582017-08-15T07:57:00.000+01:002017-09-25T10:05:18.751+01:00Am I Pretty Enough To Be A Fashion Blogger?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNAXCv_49c0/Wb7aq2p3gTI/AAAAAAAAEuo/ObBJEgUpcdEx99sQGbeFNS8fYiuydYyyQCLcBGAs/s1600/fashion-blogger-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 1" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNAXCv_49c0/Wb7aq2p3gTI/AAAAAAAAEuo/ObBJEgUpcdEx99sQGbeFNS8fYiuydYyyQCLcBGAs/s1600/fashion-blogger-10.png" title="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">It's really bloody easy to feel like you're not good enough.</h3>Some days, I feel confident. I willingly flaunt my new favourite outfit in front of the lens of a camera; you'd think without a single care in the world. Other days, I'd rather hide. In a previous post, I talked in-depth about the relationship I have with my <a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/07/a-note-on-body-image.html" target="_blank">body image</a>; highlighting the fact that it's not always something I feel entirely positive about. You, me - we're only human. I accept the fact that I will have occasional insecurities, as we all do. However, recently, these pesky insecurities manifested themselves into a rather odd, yet thought-provoking internal debate within me; and that was whether or not I am conventionally 'pretty' enough to be considered a <i>real</i> fashion blogger.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcdvVJATiko/Wb7aq-RJjCI/AAAAAAAAEus/1GIDuYK0gmUsFPB8uR1aaKwZwIdHR7JtwCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 2" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcdvVJATiko/Wb7aq-RJjCI/AAAAAAAAEus/1GIDuYK0gmUsFPB8uR1aaKwZwIdHR7JtwCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-9.png" title="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B645fwSdcXk/Wb7ZXcYKjOI/AAAAAAAAEuc/9IiC3e9ePPcpURrjZGLOpYH24x8xqpOHACEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 3" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B645fwSdcXk/Wb7ZXcYKjOI/AAAAAAAAEuc/9IiC3e9ePPcpURrjZGLOpYH24x8xqpOHACEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-6.png" title="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 3" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Shop the post (similar):</h3><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2259bedf8fbe7a44cd5f42e8c8%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A325%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1505681136325?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="325px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2259bedf8fbe7a44cd5f42e8c8%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A325%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center>What is a <i>real</i> fashion blogger, anyway? Someone who curates content around fashion and personal style, surely?! Whilst that is, of course, the simple answer; my insecurities have had me questioning whether there's more to it. And, ultimately, I think it encapsulates my love/hate relationship with social media; there is a certain standard of beauty that people often seem to crave (myself included) and, particularly when it comes to sharing photos of yourself/your personal style online; it's <i>really bloody easy</i> to feel like you're not good enough to fit within that certain standard.<br /><br />In fact, no matter who you are, if you have the desire to contribute to something or to create something; it's essentially only natural to worry whether you're good enough to actually do it. The perfectly curated world of social media just so happens to make those worries so much more intense. But what I've learned (and what I'm trying to keep reminding myself) is this: when you are creating something, contributing something, sharing a piece of yourself; that is <i>entirely</i> unique to you. To put it quite simply, your uniqueness is the <i>very</i> thing that does, in fact, make you good enough.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrPTKfIqsQM/Wb7ZXG-rLVI/AAAAAAAAEuc/AvXxMeLlytc6PTuiuWue_bEc8CSwI9GJgCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 4" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrPTKfIqsQM/Wb7ZXG-rLVI/AAAAAAAAEuc/AvXxMeLlytc6PTuiuWue_bEc8CSwI9GJgCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-4.png" title="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 4" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4EZa1kAMP7c/Wb7ZVGqsSoI/AAAAAAAAEuc/b-7NfHcWufke6i6WmhIdnSp1K12kGpE-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 5" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4EZa1kAMP7c/Wb7ZVGqsSoI/AAAAAAAAEuc/b-7NfHcWufke6i6WmhIdnSp1K12kGpE-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-1.png" title="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc20ldkZdO4/Wb7ZYiAYDiI/AAAAAAAAEuk/A6QcLy9q0CI5xFOe-vf3wEFiom2OLzhHQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 6" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc20ldkZdO4/Wb7ZYiAYDiI/AAAAAAAAEuk/A6QcLy9q0CI5xFOe-vf3wEFiom2OLzhHQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-7.png" title="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 6" /></a></div><br />Note to you (and to myself): your creativity, capabilities and abilities to succeed should not be dictated by your insecurities. When you are sharing something that you have created with the world; someone, somewhere - even if it is just one person to begin with - will find a connection. Fitting within a certain, idealised standard is not a requirement for success. RE fashion blogging: the aforementioned standard is often one which stems from a society with a conditioned view of what 'beauty' is; and even then, it's still entirely subjective. The real fundamental requirements of success include hard work, determination, unrelenting passion and the self-belief that you <i>are</i> good enough. So keep on doing whatever it is you're doing, pursue your most beloved passions and start&nbsp;<i>believing in your damn self</i>. Okay?<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4uENA_vL4Y/Wb7ZY4OAFlI/AAAAAAAAEuw/Ig5WRSAB-g4fWnPhkLDjBMkZ3K-arDnmACEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 7" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4uENA_vL4Y/Wb7ZY4OAFlI/AAAAAAAAEuw/Ig5WRSAB-g4fWnPhkLDjBMkZ3K-arDnmACEwYBhgL/s1600/fashion-blogger-8.png" title="am i pretty enough to be a fashion blogger personal style think piece 7" /></a></div></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Do you struggle with self-belief?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-22708432363795065432017-08-02T08:15:00.000+01:002017-08-02T08:17:30.697+01:003 Ways I've Stopped Comparing Myself To Others.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/08/3-ways-ive-stopped-comparing-myself-to-others.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 ways i've stopped comparing myself to others lifestyle personal thought" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NaiUaJhRFM8/WYDiPJl0dvI/AAAAAAAAEpg/QumGWIni2mIeif9x5bv1X-THTAXJXRuEACLcBGAs/s1600/4-ways-i%2527ve-stopped-comparing-myself-to-others.png" title="3 ways i've stopped comparing myself to others lifestyle personal thought" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Comparison really is the thief of joy.</h3>For much too long now, I have taken part in the ugly game of comparison. Yep, I hold my hands up to it. I'm as guilty as they come. Now, I'll try not to be too hard on myself with this (and you shouldn't, either). After all, feelings of jealously and the tendency to compare ourselves to others is only human nature. Oftentimes, we can't help it. Do I even need to mention the fact that social media makes it <i>so</i> easy for us to do it, too? Because it does. It <i>really</i> does.<br /><br />It's all too easy to admire the bikini-clad Insta-babes on their photoshoots in the Maldives whilst you're at home, melting into your sofa, all of sudden feeling your insecurities creeping up on you. It's all too easy to read about the successes of your peers and closest friends on social media and feel <i>totally</i> inferior. Twitter just informed you that Karen just received a promotion at work (plus one helluva pay-rise) and although you're<i> totally</i> happy for her, you can't ignore that niggling feeling that's trying to convince you that you haven't really achieved anything notable in months. <i>Great.</i><br /><br />Comparison really, really sucks. It's absolutely no secret that it does more harm than good. So, how do we stop doing it, if it's only human nature? Truth is, we're always going to have our moments of insecurity, our "<i>everyone is doing so much better than I am</i>" moments and those painfully familiar "<i>I'm such a failure</i>" moments. It's when you really dwell on that comparison that it becomes a trap. For so long, it made me totally miserable. Here's how I've broken the habit.<br /><h3>By remembering that others' successes are not my failures.</h3>Okay, cool, Karen got that promotion. But that doesn't mean <i>my</i> time won't come. It's vitally important to keep in mind that every single person is on a totally different path, and it just isn't feasible for everyone to achieve the same things at the same time.&nbsp;Although you may convince yourself that everyone seems to be achieving "bigger and better" things; don't forget that success is subjective. What you deem as successful probably doesn't align with what I deem as successful. You might think a six-figure salary is successful, whereas someone else might count simply getting out of bed in the morning as a huge achievement; and that's <i>okay. </i>Stop allowing the achievements of others cloud your own; you're doing great.<br /><h3>By remembering that comparison is limiting.</h3><div>What does comparison do for you? I mean, really, what does it <i>do</i> for you? I'll tell you what it does for me. It makes me sink a little further into my seat and feel totally miserable. It makes me doubt myself, it makes me downplay all of the things I achieve on a day-to-day basis. TL;DR: it makes me feel <i>shit</i>. And what is the result? Me dwelling on how shit I feel, how much of a failure I am and so on and so forth; instead of actually being productive. I become too focused on what everyone else is doing instead of focusing on myself. I fixate on looking&nbsp;like that beautiful girl on Instagram,&nbsp;or achieving what that person on Twitter is achieving; when in reality, I am <i>me</i>, not <i>them</i>. So instead, I turn it into inspiration. I acknowledge when someone is achieving wonderful things and use it as motivation to reach my own goals.</div><h3>By consuming content carefully.</h3>As I mentioned before, social media makes it <i>really bloody easy</i> for us to feel shit about ourselves in comparison to someone else. And sure, we're all aware by now that social media generally only shows the highlight reel of someone's day-to-day life. You won't find many people baring their warts 'n' all on their Instagram story. It's curated content, and from the outside looking in, there are those whose lives seem perfect. Now, we know that 99.9% of the time, that's not the case. <i>Everyone</i> has their own personal stuff going on behind their Instagram feed. Nevertheless, it doesn't make it any less difficult to see all of those perfect moments across your social media feeds all day, every day. That's when you have to consider whether the people you follow are genuinely inspiring you <i>or</i> making you feel totally mediocre and crap. You have control over the content you consume, so why continue to consume content that makes you feel <i>so</i> terrible?<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Do you have any tips to stop comparing yourself?</h3><div>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>! </div>Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-49301724470932640792017-07-24T08:10:00.000+01:002017-07-24T09:14:03.687+01:00I Just Really Love This Jacket.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ltV9u2S2dc/WXTyGiejxKI/AAAAAAAAEoY/BOycTGwgBAckreEo2MTN-C3vVFHDknGswCLcBGAs/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 1" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ltV9u2S2dc/WXTyGiejxKI/AAAAAAAAEoY/BOycTGwgBAckreEo2MTN-C3vVFHDknGswCLcBGAs/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-1.png" title="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 1" /></a></div><br />Every once in a while, when trawling through online clothing retailers admiring the multitudes of pretty garments, I happen upon The One. The One is a particular garment that makes me believe that love at first sight truly exists. It's like not realising how deprived your wardrobe has been until the very moment you see it, and then it can never been un-seen. I've had a few cases of The One in my lifetime, with the most recent case occurring whilst browsing through the Topshop website and happening upon what can only be described as <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/dc9F" target="_blank">The Jacket of Dreams</a> (any other description is a disservice).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jovSwghQYW0/WXTyGzmnumI/AAAAAAAAEog/TYlzxhmYWEAOxPajg4ahM_UHnJpWv-mIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 2" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jovSwghQYW0/WXTyGzmnumI/AAAAAAAAEog/TYlzxhmYWEAOxPajg4ahM_UHnJpWv-mIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-3.png" title="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z15El_E2hg/WXTyIk5mjzI/AAAAAAAAEoo/B9Qia8XWYrEdCbqauobVty7D0AuSgh3qACEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 3" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z15El_E2hg/WXTyIk5mjzI/AAAAAAAAEoo/B9Qia8XWYrEdCbqauobVty7D0AuSgh3qACEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-4.png" title="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 3" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQsEalQZCU0/WXTyGhp8AoI/AAAAAAAAEoc/Wwq8wPE0VrwFTMpjVd9ceEIbP1tOs2CiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 4" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQsEalQZCU0/WXTyGhp8AoI/AAAAAAAAEoc/Wwq8wPE0VrwFTMpjVd9ceEIbP1tOs2CiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-2.png" title="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 4" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Shop this post:</h3><center> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225974f004dd4edb46b0a75b45%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1500835653686?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225974f004dd4edb46b0a75b45%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --> </center>I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it is about this jacket that made me hypothetically burst into flames of adoration as soon as I laid my eyes on it; perhaps it was the subtle Green Day reference in the slogan (<i>likely</i>), maybe my undying love for denim did the trick, or perhaps it was just the simple fact that the detailing on this thing is awe-inspiring. Either way, I found myself immediately pining for it. Surprisingly, I didn't actually buy-right-now-like-my-life-depends-on-it. I know, right? A totally shocking turn of events. Instead, I took one look at the price tag, whimpered, then closed all of the tabs on my laptop and shut the lid in a huff. (Not before crying about it on Twitter first though,<i> obviously</i>).<br /><br />Days passed and this damn jacket didn't leave my mind. I was daydreaming about the looks that I could create if <i>only</i> I had this jacket. I mean, for god's sake, I just bought Green Day enamel pins that couldn't have a more fitting home than proudly pinned to the front pockets of <i>this jacket</i>. Never before had my wardrobe seemed so sad and lacklustre. So, I finally gave in. After justifying the price to myself with, "<i>You'll get the wear out of it!</i>" and "<i>It's literally the best jacket you've ever seen, you'll regret it if you don't!</i>" and "<i>TREAT YO' DAMN SELF!</i>" a dozen times over, I got it. It's <i>mine</i>.<br /><br />Truth be told, and I say this with little to zero hesitations; it is literally my favourite piece of clothing that I've ever owned, so I'm pretty stoked about it. I literally want to wear it all of the time. It's incredibly versatile (what <i>doesn't</i> look great with black denim?) and can add such a loud statement to any otherwise quiet outfit. I guess the moral of this <i>totally extra</i> rambly story-telling about a jacket is that; if you want the damn jacket, get the damn jacket. It will probably unlock your wardrobe <i>exactly</i> how you think it will. That is of course, until the next One comes around. Until then, it's <i>totally</i> justifiable.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKJscAukuzY/WXTyIly20TI/AAAAAAAAEos/16GCgGSXIRQzySuK8QKasfDteK_EOgRjwCEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 5" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKJscAukuzY/WXTyIly20TI/AAAAAAAAEos/16GCgGSXIRQzySuK8QKasfDteK_EOgRjwCEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-6.png" title="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-soa9uoA3WBM/WXTyJvPHepI/AAAAAAAAEow/7MYL8j7teNoAmnl9sI4G0QuyIAUygu8VACEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 6" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-soa9uoA3WBM/WXTyJvPHepI/AAAAAAAAEow/7MYL8j7teNoAmnl9sI4G0QuyIAUygu8VACEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-7.png" title="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 6" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2zc9T4oYe8/WXTyIQpNskI/AAAAAAAAEok/3RuUBavW8u0QcWL0Lp2MmRY2P792x9PaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 7" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2zc9T4oYe8/WXTyIQpNskI/AAAAAAAAEok/3RuUBavW8u0QcWL0Lp2MmRY2P792x9PaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/i-just-really-love-this-jacket-5.png" title="i just really love this jacket topshop fashion personal style 7" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Have you had a case of 'The One' recently?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-4008454265245494062017-07-17T08:18:00.006+01:002017-07-17T08:32:07.593+01:00A Note On Body Image.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WMCx2xmaM9s/WWxcraQCyMI/AAAAAAAAEn4/DoyzmbuhYSgZ9rRM80fC-PwNsEzwGkEKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 1" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WMCx2xmaM9s/WWxcraQCyMI/AAAAAAAAEn4/DoyzmbuhYSgZ9rRM80fC-PwNsEzwGkEKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-1.png" title="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">On not always being positive about body image.</h3>Jumping right into the deep end, I'm starting this post off with a truth-bomb: I'm scared - wait, no, scratch that - I'm <i>terrified</i> to share this post and these outfit photos with the world. You see, body image is a subject that is very close to my heart, and my relationship with my own body image is one that is more than a little bit complicated. This set of photos portrays said complicated relationship so significantly that consequently; I have been musing on body image and how I feel about coming to terms with the fact that it's not something I'm always going to feel positive about. Let me explain.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQvAojgDgAU/WWxcryt5fLI/AAAAAAAAEn8/2kmpcnSGTY0b8kbVMNcDNCtC_wXGteqcACEwYBhgL/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 3" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQvAojgDgAU/WWxcryt5fLI/AAAAAAAAEn8/2kmpcnSGTY0b8kbVMNcDNCtC_wXGteqcACEwYBhgL/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-4.png" title="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 3" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qaxec5E4wc4/WWxcqzFnaBI/AAAAAAAAEnw/UrR6_5DFnXkZRfeJTrY-J0XQ_0Z4v06FQCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 2" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qaxec5E4wc4/WWxcqzFnaBI/AAAAAAAAEnw/UrR6_5DFnXkZRfeJTrY-J0XQ_0Z4v06FQCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-3.png" title="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AHD8mCOJXGs/WWxcsqvgKiI/AAAAAAAAEoA/KS0fVUOXZw0v01-MT5Vp8JVVFzXMkXdggCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 4" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AHD8mCOJXGs/WWxcsqvgKiI/AAAAAAAAEoA/KS0fVUOXZw0v01-MT5Vp8JVVFzXMkXdggCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-5.png" title="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 4" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Shop this post:</h3><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22596c5c44be7a44879e8be701%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1500273530207?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22596c5c44be7a44879e8be701%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center>Let's start with the photos. Sometimes it's so <i>freakin'</i> hard to look at photos of yourself; the woes of being a style blogger, eh? There have been countless times where, in my head, I've been killing it during an outfit shoot, then when later reviewing the photos it can be easy to spiral into a pit of self-hatred asking, "<i>is that what I really look like?</i>" These photos handed me one of those said moments on a plate; for literal&nbsp;<i>weeks</i> I have been reluctant about sharing them. They step boldly outside of my comfort zone. They highlight all kinds of flaws and insecurities that I usually strive to keep hidden.<br /><br />Without a word of a lie, I'm aware that these insecurities of mine have heightened since sharing my image across my blog and social media. In the past, I've talked about how <a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2016/04/instagram-is-killing-my-self-esteem.html" target="_blank">Instagram plays havoc with my self-esteem</a>. Since the very moment that I dipped toes into this industry, my relationship with my own body image became even more complex than it already was. I have acknowledged, and still <i>often</i> struggle with the fact that I just <i>don't</i> look like your typical blogger/Insta-babe. I don't have beachy blonde waves, I don't have a chiseled jaw and I certainly don't have tanned legs for days. I'm actually ghostly pale, I have a crooked nose, my legs are kinda stumpy and my weak chin really lets down my side profile. Heh.<br /><br />And yet, I continue to share images of myself online. I share shameless selfies on Instagram, I thoroughly enjoy curating style content for my blog which, of course, will typically be packed full of photos of me parading around in my latest style obsession. You see, the thing with body image is that, it's actually <i>okay</i> to not feel positive about it all of the time. Sure, confidence is a wonderful thing; but the reality is, we're all humans and we're all going to have shitty days. We're always going to have those days where we scroll aimlessly through our Instagram feeds, comparing our figures with bikini-clad Insta-models whilst we're crying into our pizzas. Newsflash: the bikini-clad Insta-models even have those days, too.<br /><br />The photos attached to this post are truly wonderful shots (thanks, Adam). If you are none-the-wiser, I likely seem calm, confident and collected. And yet, I initially took one look at myself in these photos and very nearly binned the lot. That's why I feel they are so significant to the subject of body image and why I feel that they are the epitome of the complicated relationship with my own. They represent my shitty, low self-esteem days; yet choosing to share them anyway represents me coming to terms with that inevitability, but refusing to allow it to take over. At the end of the day, body image and the journey to accepting yourself as you are is a lengthy, damn <i>difficult </i>process with a ton of ups and downs along the way. And I simply wanted to write this post to tell you and to reassure you (and myself) when you need it; that that<i>&nbsp;</i>is&nbsp;<i>okay</i>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KM-kDzcpAGI/WWxj9qavQtI/AAAAAAAAEoM/HuwMOHZJXzw4XY7GNvVebHBqIYPz6zO-QCLcBGAs/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 5" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KM-kDzcpAGI/WWxj9qavQtI/AAAAAAAAEoM/HuwMOHZJXzw4XY7GNvVebHBqIYPz6zO-QCLcBGAs/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-6.png" title="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-73BzYcsys/WWxcrUSppgI/AAAAAAAAEn0/0h_qkAgLJagclss6YnD9q5NS-UxW4CckwCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 6" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-73BzYcsys/WWxcrUSppgI/AAAAAAAAEn0/0h_qkAgLJagclss6YnD9q5NS-UxW4CckwCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-note-on-body-image-2.png" title="a note on body image personal style fashion thought 6" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What your thoughts on body image?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-83947721175517929172017-07-11T22:25:00.000+01:002017-07-12T08:18:06.690+01:00Goals For The Next Six Months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/07/goals-for-next-six-months.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="goals for the next six months lifestyle thought" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoJlveYWIjo/WWVAWwDOZ-I/AAAAAAAAEnc/UO16jhZCpWYN8h6IHEk_3lOK4Gp8-mIfgCLcBGAs/s1600/goals-for-the-next-six-months-1.png" title="goals for the next six months lifestyle thought" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Oh hey, mid-year.</h3>Here comes <i>the</i> most predictable introduction to this post: I can't quite <i>believe</i> we're halfway through this year already. And what a whirlwind of a year it has been thus far. Everything started off on a really positive note this year; I entered into it with a brand new job title, I gave my blog a whole new look, I fine-tuned my content down to what I <i>really</i> love writing about and, not to mention, we even jetted off for a handful of city breaks to see some of our favourite bands. Somewhere along the way, however, my motivation for everyday routine started to spiral; my organisation left the building, my procrastination levels hit their peak and now I'm sitting here, on the verge of mid-July, a little bit lost.<br /><br />For me, sitting down to figure out my mid-year goals is so important. Lord knows I set myself goals at the beginning of every year, but regardless, I always find myself lacking direction right around this time. And it's not uncommon, either; your perspectives, passions and priorities can shift in a matter of weeks, not to mention months. Until you acknowledge it and consider how it might affect what you do on a day to day basis; motivation can easily dwindle and feeling lost is inevitable. As such, I actively try to set myself goals - or perhaps they would be better referred to as <i>guidelines</i> - for the duration of the year, so that I can have a clearer focus on the aspects of everyday life that are most important to me. And so, here are just a few of the goals that I'm setting myself for the next six months to steer myself in the right direction.<br /><h3>Throw myself into the deep end of blogging.</h3><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/07/a-life-update.html" target="_blank">We've been over this already</a>, but in case you didn't notice; I have been severely neglecting my little space of the internet for quite some time now. I feel as though I went from being the queen of consistency to absolute radio silence; and at this point I'm ready to nip that right in the bud. There are so many things I am eager to achieve within the world of blogging and lord knows I'm not going to achieve them by failing to put in the hard work that is required. I'm aiming to fall back into the routine of posting 2-3 times per week, with a variety of content covering topics that I wholeheartedly love. I want to beam with pride at every piece of content I curate and I want to smash all of the goals I've been working towards for some time now. And so, into the deep end I go. And oh, as a side note, in case you missed it; I also just so happen to be curating one hell of a monthly newsletter filled with exclusive content. You can sign up to it <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">right here</a>.<br /><h3>Start saving my pennies.</h3>Y'all, here's the thing: I don't even have a freakin' <i>savings</i> account. I won't lie, I'm a serial spender (I have about one thousand deliveries due to arrive at my office this week and I just <i>know</i> my colleagues are going to judge me so hard for it... like, I'm judging <i>myself</i> at this point) but I need to try harder to get a reign on it. I want to save a few extra pennies for getaways, rainy days, birthdays, Christmas - and of course actual, serious, adult things; like my damn <i>future</i>. At the end of the day, I just need to make more of an effort to be frugal on a day to day basis. Oh, and <i>finally</i> open that savings account.<br /><h3>Plan more getaways.</h3>Speaking of getaways, I'm hoping that Adam and I can plan a handful more before the year draws to a close. Throughout the first half of this year, we visited Brighton, London, Amsterdam (twice) and are due to take a little trip to Paris in the coming weeks. I will never grow tired of getting away from reality, exploring new surroundings and making memories with my favourite human. As well, our travels this year have truly worked wonders for my anxieties that surround flights and travel. Although it is occasionally still pretty tough to handle, I feel like I've been making positive progress.<br /><h3>Achieve something big work-wise.</h3><div>Whether it be through my blog or in my day job; my biggest aim for this year is to achieve something big work-wise. Perhaps by taking on an exciting new blog opportunity, hitting a significant milestone, learning a valuable new skill in my day job or overcoming something challenging. At the moment, it's impossible to put my finger on what it could be, but I hope to make a big accomplishment before the year is out and make notable, measurable progress in my career.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/07/goals-for-next-six-months.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmgQytBsH14/WWVAW9mmu4I/AAAAAAAAEng/VSkaOrk1bUQfEarKWvuowuK8DgbM8fVLACLcBGAs/s1600/goals-for-the-next-six-months-2.png" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What are your goals for the rest of the year?</h3></div>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Sign up to my newsletter <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">here</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-7600834247780347912017-07-05T07:59:00.000+01:002017-07-05T07:59:00.014+01:00A Life Update, Where I've Been and Some News.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFUGxx3o_Fs/WVwYVRxEFsI/AAAAAAAAEnA/YXkzqVW39AEOJmeoT7aYADIrFRNwm4S6QCLcBGAs/s1600/a-life-update-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 1" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFUGxx3o_Fs/WVwYVRxEFsI/AAAAAAAAEnA/YXkzqVW39AEOJmeoT7aYADIrFRNwm4S6QCLcBGAs/s1600/a-life-update-6.png" title="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>Where have I been?</i></h3><div>First of all, can we just take a second to acknowledge the fact that it's July? It's freakin' <i>July</i>. We are <i>literally</i> seven months into the year already and I'm not quite sure what I have to show for it. Second of all, hello. Yes, <i>hello</i>! It's me, Katy Belle; I'm still here... kinda. I haven't been though, not as of late, even though I promised I would be (I'm sorry! I swear it's not for lack of trying! I mean, <i>kinda</i>...) and I wanted to have a hypothetical sit down with you to talk about that.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what's been going on in my life lately? Well, exactly one week ago I made the rather spontaneous decision to accept a free ticket to a Green Day gig, even though I could count on one hand the amount of times I'd actually voluntarily listened to them in my life. Alas, and I'm not quite sure how to say it but, since coming home from that gig, I haven't really listened to any other band. Yeah, I get it, I'm late to the party. Look, I'm making up for lost time. Like, 20 <i>years </i>of lost time.</div><div><br /></div><div>TL;DR: I went to a Green Day gig, it was super fun and I <i>literally</i> adore them now. Seriously.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpSC_-ymBZA/WVwYVeDXB6I/AAAAAAAAEnE/rnmEygKHEWomPIX0Tfkwp6fuwtj9ae6LQCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 2" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpSC_-ymBZA/WVwYVeDXB6I/AAAAAAAAEnE/rnmEygKHEWomPIX0Tfkwp6fuwtj9ae6LQCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-5.png" title="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htuzuRGEm34/WVwYVMwvOTI/AAAAAAAAEm8/pkfLIXVjKbEgbnLelXaWldvcDXl_hkX7wCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 3" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htuzuRGEm34/WVwYVMwvOTI/AAAAAAAAEm8/pkfLIXVjKbEgbnLelXaWldvcDXl_hkX7wCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-4.png" title="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 3" /></a></div></div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Shop this post (similar):</h3><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22595c1b944df1284cf0fdf725%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1499208336172?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22595c1b944df1284cf0fdf725%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center>Aside from that, I'll admit, my life hasn't been terribly exciting lately. We had a really great start to the year, travelling across Europe to see some of our favourite bands; and we have some really exciting trips planned for summer (<i>Disney</i>!) and towards the end of the year, too. But right now, I'm swamped with work, life admin and not much else; and it's pretty deflating, as I'm sure you can imagine. These evenings, all I want to do is flop onto my bed, stare at my ceiling and do nothing but listen to <i>Your Name</i> by Bernache on repeat because it is <i>literally</i> the most chill song I've ever listened to.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I digress. Alongside feeling overwhelmed by everyday adulting, I've also been feeling rather disillusioned with blogging more so than ever before - and it all comes together to explain why I've been pretty AWOL lately. When it comes to my blog, I haven't known what to say that I feel is of any proper value. When it comes to social media, particularly Instagram, I've burned myself out with it so much so that I feel as though my creativity is diminishing day by day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not too long ago, Lauren from <a href="https://nakedfashions.com/" target="_blank">Naked Fashions</a> put together a rather inspiring thread on Twitter where she talked about how, as a blogger, it's very easy to become so focused on social platforms such as Instagram. After all, it can offer some really wonderful opportunities to those who do it right. (SLAAAY QUEEN, get those #ads!) And yet, whilst we're spending so much time and effort curating an aesthetically pleasing Instagram theme and feeling disheartened by the algorithm and almost non-existent engagement and growth; we very easily forget about our most powerful tool: our own domains.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will be the first to admit that, in recent months, I have been putting much more effort into curating content on Instagram than right here on my blog. And whilst it's never going to be a bad thing to put hard work into something that works for you and that you can reap the rewards from; personally, I'm pretty much over putting on so much pressure when it comes to Instagram. At the end of the day, social platforms come and go; but I think we're stuck with blogging for a <i>long</i> while yet. It ain't going anywhere anytime soon, and I know where my strengths lie and where they don't.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, don't get me wrong; it's not to say you can't absolutely boss the hell out of both, and more. There are plenty who do (and I'm jealous). And it's not as if I'm going to completely stop using Instagram any time soon (you guys, I could scroll for <i>literally</i> hours). To put it simply, I need to focus on what I'm actually good at, what I actually enjoy; so that I can finally lift myself out of this horrendous slump that I've been in for such a long time now. I just want to feel excited about creating content again; and I think owning the <i>sh*t</i> out of my own domain instead of worrying about what my Instagram theme looks like or how many followers I've lost that given day is the best way for me, personally.</div><div><br /></div><div>TL;DR: I've been pretty AWOL with blogging and from here on out I <i>definitely</i> won't be. Promise.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DbY0whmF-E/WVwYTX6uuZI/AAAAAAAAEm4/ShGuSNlG25MusFOALVDgzVhbcpoMEdOUACEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 4" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DbY0whmF-E/WVwYTX6uuZI/AAAAAAAAEm4/ShGuSNlG25MusFOALVDgzVhbcpoMEdOUACEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-2.png" title="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 4" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvpx4TiH6ew/WVwYWsvK5gI/AAAAAAAAEnI/X1v0xUDUsWYVYkrLYcSiKiWP3U6nFMEvwCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 5" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvpx4TiH6ew/WVwYWsvK5gI/AAAAAAAAEnI/X1v0xUDUsWYVYkrLYcSiKiWP3U6nFMEvwCEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-7.png" title="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 5" /></a></div></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>Some exciting news...</i></h3><div>On an entirely different note, I did just want to mention (for those of you who might be interested) that I am launching a monthly newsletter as an extension of my blog! Launching a newsletter is something I have been wanting to do for the longest time and it is a project that I feel very passionately excited about. Now, truth be told, it was originally due to launch at the beginning of July however, due to my aforementioned AWOL-ness and other factors that got in the way, I've decided to delay the first issue until August; but it's great news, because it means you've got <i>plenty</i> of time to sign up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Essentially, my monthly newsletters are going to be packed full of exclusive content ranging from think pieces on style, health, feminism, relationships, friendships, blogging tips and more. As well, I'll be sharing things I've been loving throughout the month; from style, to beauty, to music and beyond. I also have hopes to include quick-fire interviews with some inspiring humans, and will be regularly featuring bloggers/creators of the month. All in all, it's going to be very exciting and I would be thrilled for you to be a part of it. If it sounds like your kind of thing, you can sign up <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">right here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>TL;DR: I'm launching a monthly newsletter and it's going to be great. Sign up <a href="http://bit.ly/2sp0Ltt" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br /><br />So, that's where I'm at right now. Somewhere between reverting back to a 15 year old Green Day fan and a gal who is struggling to adult and do what she loves at the same time; all whilst also maintaining a social life and soon to be making time for mandatory Game of Thrones watching. I look forward to sharing some cool content with you from here on out.<br /><br />Oh, and before I leave, I want to just reiterate what I touched on at the beginning of this post; a lesson that I recently learned, which I feel is a positive note to end on. It is, of course, that we should all consider saying yes to more spontaneous, exciting things in life. After all, you might just find yourself standing in the middle of a field in the pouring rain, unexpectedly having the time of your life and falling in love with a band who were <i>way</i> cooler about 12 years ago.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1tw3pE_oww/WVwYW5pwudI/AAAAAAAAEnM/IXoDBW1ShPQT77SFtwHD9kYnDe45O1D_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 6" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1tw3pE_oww/WVwYW5pwudI/AAAAAAAAEnM/IXoDBW1ShPQT77SFtwHD9kYnDe45O1D_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-8.png" title="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 6" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFMaKhou-PA/WVwYTfkSffI/AAAAAAAAEmw/deJSy_AvVfgDph_LdhV7HmNT-dBaZd_SACEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 7" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFMaKhou-PA/WVwYTfkSffI/AAAAAAAAEmw/deJSy_AvVfgDph_LdhV7HmNT-dBaZd_SACEwYBhgL/s1600/a-life-update-3.png" title="a life update where i've been and some news personal style fashion 7" /></a></div></div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What have you been up to lately?</h3></div>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-74207551153492712862017-06-28T07:37:00.000+01:002017-06-28T07:37:55.218+01:00What I've Been Listening To #4.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/06/what-ive-been-listening-to-4.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="what i've been listening to music playlist" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_ARbSV1--o/WVLMVl6rCVI/AAAAAAAAEmg/9bkdsuc1n0gzpdxjfc8c57FDbxbnJY8UgCLcBGAs/s1600/what-ive-been-listening-to-4-music.png" title="what i've been listening to music playlist" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>What have I been listening to?</i></h3>The last number of months have been all about submersing myself into an abundance of varied music; and, unsurprisingly, I have been thoroughly enjoying every single second of it. From nostalgic, beloved favourites to newer, exciting projects filled with anticipation; I've curated a playlist to showcase every inch of what I've been listening to lately.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:user:katybellemairs:playlist:4IuI1aygJfAJqlfQMH4oU4" width="300"></iframe></center><br />Whilst on the subject of nostalgia, the recent months have been <i>particularly</i> that. From the brazen return of Paramore; which saw a brand new, '80s inspired album and aesthetic (accompanied by the announcement of an <i>incredible</i> tour which I didn't dare miss), to the celebratory anniversary of Enter Shikari's first debut album; it's pretty safe to say that my teenage self has been positively thriving. As such, I haven't been able to stop myself from delving deep into the discographies of the bands that were the soundtrack to my socially awkward, questionably 'emo' teenage years.<br /><br />Paramore are, in summary, <i>that</i> band who have this extremely profound ability to write music that deeply, directly resonates with whatever the stage of life I'm experiencing at that given time. Since my teenage years, every single time Paramore have released new material, the thought that always crosses my mind seems to be: they just <i>get</i>&nbsp;me. And I <i>know</i> I'm not alone in feeling this way. '<i>After Laughter</i>'&nbsp;<i>is not</i>&nbsp;the only exception to this (did I try too hard with that pun?) On the surface, the album is upbeat, fun; but when you delve deeper into tracks such as my personal favourite,&nbsp;<i>Fake Happy</i>; you begin to realise that this album has a much darker side to it, underneath the irresistible electro-pop rhythms.<br /><br />On the opposite end of the scale, we find Enter Shikari; a band that played a particularly big role in my teen life, but particularly so throughout '08, '09 and '10. As mentioned before, this year saw the tenth anniversary of Enter Shikari's first debut album '<i>Take To The Skies</i>' and oh boy, the excitement to witness this album performed live after all this time was<i> real</i>; and they absolutely did not disappoint. I danced, sang and sweated (TMI?) my way through one of the most energetic gigs I've ever been to, full &nbsp;to the brim of old favourites such as <i>Mothership</i>, <i>Return To Energiser</i>, <i>No Sssweat</i> and <i>Labyrinth</i>; as well as a few new favourites including Anesthetist. Confession: I had so much fun at the gig that, the following day, I <i>may</i> have bought tickets to go see them again in Amsterdam later in the year...<br /><br />A few other honourable mentions from my playlists in recent months include Bernache; an indie/lo-fi recording project based in Montreal by singer and producer Emma (Men I Trust). This is, hands down, a project to get excited about and one you just <i>can't</i>&nbsp;sleep on. <i>Your Name</i> is truly a thing of beauty. Honestly, this <i>song</i>; I have nothing to say other than <i>listen </i>(preferably whilst laying on your bed, staring at the ceiling because it is <i>so</i> chill). Another upcoming release to get excited about is Great Grandpa's '<i>Plastic Cough</i>'. Great Grandpa are a band that just seem to go from strength to strength; with their first full US tour right around the corner and a brand new album to boot - it's easy to see big things on the horizon for this band. The recent release of three singles (<i>Fade</i>, <i>Teen Challenge</i> and <i>Expert Eraser</i>) gives a taste of what to expect from '<i>Plastic Cough</i>' and if they are anything to go by, well, oh <i>boy</i>. <i>Oh, freakin', boy.</i><br /><br />Last, but certainly not least, no playlist of mine would ever be complete without a pinch of Pinegrove; I had the pleasure of seeing them again in London last month, and <i>Visiting</i> will never cease to remind me of the happiness I feel at their shows. I'm already <i>very</i> ready for them to announce another European tour. I'll be here, waiting, patiently.<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">What have you been listening to lately?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-63694941549179856502017-06-05T08:08:00.000+01:002017-06-05T08:09:31.356+01:00Do I Need An 'Ultimate Goal'?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jgx5ZKFyudo/WTRDTiEvfQI/AAAAAAAAElw/6lv9IONOnrgqdKDh0e68r4IXI0KHN_1uACLcB/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 1" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jgx5ZKFyudo/WTRDTiEvfQI/AAAAAAAAElw/6lv9IONOnrgqdKDh0e68r4IXI0KHN_1uACLcB/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-2.png" title="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>What am I doing?</i></h3>Confession: <i>[clears throat]</i> I have absolutely no idea what I want to do with my life <i>[exhale]</i>. Second confession: this is the very first time, since beginning my professional career, that I have ever admitted that fact to myself. Yet surprisingly, and I tell no word of a lie; I feel kinda relieved to finally say it, to see those words laid out in front of me. I have <i>no</i> idea.<br /><br />The question of whether or not I need an 'ultimate goal' in life is something I've been pondering a lot lately. The idea of, and the pressure that comes with, 'following your dream' and pursuing your lifelong career from an early age is something that has been ingrained in our minds our whole lives. I struggled with it greatly as a teen, constantly changing my mind about the direction I wanted to take my life, always feeling conflicted and indecisive about the subjects I studied in school. As a child I wanted to be a vet. When I was about fifteen years old I was obsessed with the TV show <i>Bones</i>, and thus convinced myself that I would one day be a forensic anthropologist. At eighteen I studied law at university for all of nine months, before packing my bags and returning home to my mother upon realising I had made a <i>horrendous</i> decision.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ0KJhn3oXU/WTRDTmzvN1I/AAAAAAAAEl4/Eo3aEu-PsrEbu4-loL65gIUem5btZxzCwCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 2" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ0KJhn3oXU/WTRDTmzvN1I/AAAAAAAAEl4/Eo3aEu-PsrEbu4-loL65gIUem5btZxzCwCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-3.png" title="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ObkNOw12yi8/WTRDTnfoIcI/AAAAAAAAEl0/WviNXoovhDUMYqrWJzOC4LruUUqiHFddwCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 3" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ObkNOw12yi8/WTRDTnfoIcI/AAAAAAAAEl0/WviNXoovhDUMYqrWJzOC4LruUUqiHFddwCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-1.png" title="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 3" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhM4UmhDHIw/WTRDV1jkhvI/AAAAAAAAEl8/qSQ5h3Pzvj8jxObgoDRhbqC2k9vBD0HvgCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 4" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhM4UmhDHIw/WTRDV1jkhvI/AAAAAAAAEl8/qSQ5h3Pzvj8jxObgoDRhbqC2k9vBD0HvgCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-4.png" title="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 4" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Shop this post (similar):</h3><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225934457ce7055a62f06498c9%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1496597611336?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225934457ce7055a62f06498c9%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center><div>Fast forward to the present day and I am happily thriving in my full-time career in the field of digital marketing. I work for a wonderful, local company with great colleagues and a role that allows me to learn something new every day. My current job gives me the invaluable opportunity to challenge myself on a daily basis and to constantly improve and hone my skills. Is this career exactly what I want to be doing? For now, I'd answer with a confident yes. My current career is one I have been working towards for a number of years, and is one in which I am presently happy. But at just 23 years of age, is a career in digital marketing my absolute, lifelong, 'ultimate goal'? Now, you see, when you put it like <i>that</i>...</div><br />The reason that I ponder the idea of an 'ultimate goal' so much is because I used to fool myself into thinking that I couldn't be fully, truly happy until I reached my 'ultimate goal'; whether that be becoming a vet, a forensic anthropologist, or whatever other career appealed to me in that given year. After all, one would assume that's what 'ultimate goal' implies; happiness. It's like you embark on this incredible journey of desire and determination and land at this big location called your 'ultimate goal' and happiness follows suit. So when you feel like you might not have this so-called 'ultimate goal' in your life - what then? How can you <i>ever</i> be happy? But here's the thing: I'm sitting here pondering my life's purpose, afraid that I will never know what it is - and yet, I&nbsp;<i>am </i>happy. I'm surrounded by things that give me happiness every single day; my other half, my family, my friends, my desire to create, my productivity, my kindness, my health. If I was gone tomorrow - any 'ultimate goal' that I struggled to set for myself would completely cease to have any significance.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ga9PNAFRM6s/WTRDV7-YtyI/AAAAAAAAEmA/eg4oURJBvr4pFCoDKtQu05lPFbkp0EamQCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 5" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ga9PNAFRM6s/WTRDV7-YtyI/AAAAAAAAEmA/eg4oURJBvr4pFCoDKtQu05lPFbkp0EamQCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-5.png" title="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t78Kpo4bGuI/WTRDWKTw32I/AAAAAAAAEmE/9TFcNwey4iwmUx6vF4-7M--cS0wHG40VgCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 6" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t78Kpo4bGuI/WTRDWKTw32I/AAAAAAAAEmE/9TFcNwey4iwmUx6vF4-7M--cS0wHG40VgCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-6.png" title="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 6" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5O63dXGq-Y/WTRDX0VXOGI/AAAAAAAAEmM/_aP74PxMq_M_mz9XFZyeX5uQKVPmY8AgACEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 7" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5O63dXGq-Y/WTRDX0VXOGI/AAAAAAAAEmM/_aP74PxMq_M_mz9XFZyeX5uQKVPmY8AgACEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-8.png" title="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 7" /></a></div><h3><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pursue that which makes you happy right now.</i></div></h3>Now, <i>please</i> don't get me wrong, for I have nothing but the utmost respect for anyone that <i>does</i> have an ultimate goal, something that they're reaching hard for, something that they feel so passionate about that nothing will stop them until they get there. That's <i>so</i> freakin' cool, and truly something I wish I had, too. I guess, in some kind of strange way, I might just be a little bit jealous of you if it applies. Alas, I am gradually beginning to accept the fact that I might not actually have an 'ultimate goal' in terms of what I want to do with my life; but I'm also beginning to accept that it's totally <i>okay</i>.<br /><br />Maybe you have known what you wanted to do in life since you were a young child and maybe that passion and focus makes you feel like the happiest person in the world. Maybe I don't know exactly what I want to do with my life in the long-term right now, maybe I'll try lots of different things and maybe I'll find that <i>one</i> thing along the way. Maybe I won't. Whether you feel like you do have an 'ultimate goal' or whether you feel like you absolutely don't and might never; I, for one, wholeheartedly believe that all you can do is embrace how you feel and pursue that which makes you happy right <i>now, </i>because it is the present that matters most.<i>&nbsp;</i>Doing so will eventually lead you to <i>exactly</i> where you need to be.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCORjv7ld-I/WTRDXGfz6WI/AAAAAAAAEmU/jbbRy4aW0-wnb7qhwseoT-ctWq5WYCMFQCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 8" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCORjv7ld-I/WTRDXGfz6WI/AAAAAAAAEmU/jbbRy4aW0-wnb7qhwseoT-ctWq5WYCMFQCEw/s1600/should-i-have-an-ultimate-goal-7.png" title="should i have an ultimate goal personal style fashion thought 8" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What are your thoughts on having an 'ultimate goal'?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-32149957263869553532017-05-21T20:05:00.000+01:002017-05-22T08:13:26.321+01:003 Reasons Why You Should Support Independent Brands.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zR65ZzFucuk/WSHgeQZfwRI/AAAAAAAAElM/J3az6PSTsbUwOenKnTgYNT2hxRYcsS2cACLcB/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 1" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zR65ZzFucuk/WSHgeQZfwRI/AAAAAAAAElM/J3az6PSTsbUwOenKnTgYNT2hxRYcsS2cACLcB/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-4.png" title="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>On 'shopping smaller'.</i></h3>Now, don't get me wrong. I love mass-produced, high street fashion just as much as the next gal. There's nothing quite like the feeling of treating yourself to a payday splurge on ASOS after a month of hard work (I'm <i>literally</i> counting down the days until I can justify doing it again). Be that as it may, ever since I started working full-time for a small, local business back in 2015, in that time I have developed the utmost respect for smaller, lesser widely known brands. And so, here are a few reasons why you should consider shopping smaller and supporting your favourite independent brands.<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">*T-shirt: c/o <a href="https://uh-huhhoney.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/sticky-stuff" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Uh-Huh Honey</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWEYNsk12sU/WSHgfJhOBKI/AAAAAAAAElg/E0daYVkbJ74cfSYW9SEz_CpMsDsS05i8ACEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 2" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWEYNsk12sU/WSHgfJhOBKI/AAAAAAAAElg/E0daYVkbJ74cfSYW9SEz_CpMsDsS05i8ACEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-5.png" title="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Fe3SqWheug/WSHgfnm9UQI/AAAAAAAAElY/fb-vxbGCj9AiBh5GbqIixPmppUoTi9OfwCEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 3" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Fe3SqWheug/WSHgfnm9UQI/AAAAAAAAElY/fb-vxbGCj9AiBh5GbqIixPmppUoTi9OfwCEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-7.png" title="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 3" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>You are supporting an entrepreneur.</i></h3>Personally, my favourite thing about supporting independent brands is the fact that you are <i>literally</i> supporting someone who once had a dream and one day decided to turn it into a reality. Isn't that just the coolest idea? The individual (or perhaps <i>individuals</i>) behind the brand inevitably took a <i>huge</i> risk in their life to start their business and you have the invaluable power to contribute in helping their business to continually thrive. I cannot even begin to imagine the strength and determination that it takes to build your own business from the ground, so I'm all for giving my support.<br /><br />When the lovely folks behind <a href="https://uh-huhhoney.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Uh-Huh Honey</a> reached out to me and asked if I would like to receive one of their (<i>ahem</i>, 'appropriately inappropriate') t-shirts, I was more than a little bit intrigued. I fell in love with the fact that the company was started by a girl and her boyfriend, all as a way of getting out their creativity whilst studying and working full-time. The down-to-earth, super witty nature of the brand (combined with the fact that they're based in Belfast) hooked me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XDaaooCZhEw/WSHgfP8PFkI/AAAAAAAAElU/ZGt9HvjzD9IQY2bTVqb82r1QSvsu68W5QCEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 4" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XDaaooCZhEw/WSHgfP8PFkI/AAAAAAAAElU/ZGt9HvjzD9IQY2bTVqb82r1QSvsu68W5QCEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-6.png" title="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 4" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VypxV5eKtdg/WSHgc4vVNXI/AAAAAAAAElA/kxd6f1kAn4AY8yawgFTGKXR5TsZJrKuRgCEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 5" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VypxV5eKtdg/WSHgc4vVNXI/AAAAAAAAElA/kxd6f1kAn4AY8yawgFTGKXR5TsZJrKuRgCEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-2.png" title="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 5" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>Products aren't just made, they are created.</i></h3>When it comes to big retailers, products tend to be churned out at rapid-fire pace to keep up with the demand that comes with their popularity. Yet on the other hand, when you buy from an independent brand, chances are, the product comes with its very own purpose and story. It was once a vision that has been carefully brought to life through hard work and sheer determination. Products bought from big name brands can be wonderful, there's certainly no denying that; but what they often lack is that heart-warming personal touch that makes buying from independent brands <i>so</i> special.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swNXVYcCT-k/WSHgc6RPIFI/AAAAAAAAElI/35QNh5penyYUa3upJ22RrvsgY6qIrcRIACEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 6" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swNXVYcCT-k/WSHgc6RPIFI/AAAAAAAAElI/35QNh5penyYUa3upJ22RrvsgY6qIrcRIACEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-3.png" title="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 6" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-PFOqeW7QU/WSHggPccAhI/AAAAAAAAElc/3cKPUjwI-noU89vsHfVUpVM6gUO7bDRUwCEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 7" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-PFOqeW7QU/WSHggPccAhI/AAAAAAAAElc/3cKPUjwI-noU89vsHfVUpVM6gUO7bDRUwCEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-8.png" title="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 7" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>Customer service is noteworthy.</i></h3><div>Of <i>course</i>, this can vary from brand to brand, and there will always be a few exceptions to the rule. However, generally speaking, the customer service you receive from independent brands tends to be much more personalised than what you would receive from a big company. Their personal commitment to their business certainly plays a part in this - but it even expands to their collective team. Working behind the scenes for a small company myself, I can confidently say that the teams behind independent brands tend to have a much more hands-on role within the company and are eager to go above and beyond. As well, simply being <i>different</i> is what also makes customer care among independent brands more valuable.<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Shop this outfit (similar):</h3></div><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225921e31d61d1dd28294cc257%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1495392728259?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225921e31d61d1dd28294cc257%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CuVolRkUgc/WSHgcxv7mlI/AAAAAAAAElE/MBCwF6vsrP4uRm5FZSpCSLWnTvK7tRHSQCEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 8" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CuVolRkUgc/WSHgcxv7mlI/AAAAAAAAElE/MBCwF6vsrP4uRm5FZSpCSLWnTvK7tRHSQCEw/s1600/3-reasons-why-you-should-support-independent-brands-1.png" title="3 reasons why you should support independent brands style fashion 8" /></a></div></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Tell me some of your favourite independent brands?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Some of these items have been sent for review, please see my <a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">disclaimer</a> for more information.</i></div><i><br /></i>Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-2812015782581798322017-05-16T23:28:00.000+01:002017-05-17T09:13:12.518+01:00A Haircare Edit With L'Occitane.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/05/a-haircare-edit-with-loccitane.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a haircare edit with l'occitane beauty haircare 1" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3X9Ta1cm36I/WRt8MkaliFI/AAAAAAAAEj0/UssYsobpo-43JAs8zXowoRkfGDkqBr4HACLcB/s1600/a-haircare-edit-with-loccitane-2.png" title="a haircare edit with l'occitane beauty haircare 1" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by L'Occitane however, all words, opinions and imagery are my own.</i></span></div><br />Oh, hair, I <i>do</i> wish I'd looked after you better over the years. As someone who has considerably dry and damaged hair after countless years dyeing, curling and generally mistreating my locks; it is absolutely vital that I have a product in my haircare routine that cleanses, repairs and gives my hair the essential nourishment that it craves. After recently making the somewhat sporadic decision to bleach the ends of my hair and dye them a delightful sea-mermaid green, this is true as ever. And so, I only thought it necessary to give my haircare routine an up-to-date edit in time for the warmer months.<br /><br />One brand unexpectedly triumphing the haircare game right now is L'Occitane; more typically known for their skincare, body lotions and glorious array of gifts during the festive season. Needless to say, when it comes to gentle, nourishing and repairing <a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/natural-shampoo,83,1,30017,0.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">shampoo L'Occitane</a> have all essential bases covered in their <a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/repairing-shampoo-dry-hair,83,1,29803,271573.htm#s=30017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aromachologie Repairing</a> range, formulated specifically for dry and damaged hair.&nbsp;This silicone-free shampoo claims to transform and revitalise your hair, helping to repair, strengthen and give it that vital protection; all of which is <i>exactly</i> what I need to uplift my lifeless locks.<br /><br />The formula of this shampoo is made up of a natural complex of five essential oils; ylang-ylang, sweet orange, lavender, geranium and angelica. These oils, in combination with added Vitamin B5 and amino acids, help to smooth, soften and strengthen hair. After what feels like countless months of lazily keeping up with my lacklustre haircare routine (and by that I mean, totally ignoring what my hair was crying out for and grabbing any hair product within arms reach of the shower, without paying any <i>real</i> attention to what it could be doing to my hair, ooops); I truly feel as though this shampoo has made the <i>world</i> of difference to the overall look and feel of my hair. A little goes such a long way with this product, resulting hair feeling silky soft, cleansed and nourished, right down to my scalp, without leaving it feeling dried out.<br /><br />Now, admittedly, the scent of the shampoo is probably my least favourite thing about it. When it comes to shampoos, I personally find sweeter scents more appealing. Because let's be honest, there is an undeniable sense of satisfaction that comes with swishing your hair to and 'fro and getting a waft of something sweet. The scent of this particular shampoo is much more aromatic, but nonetheless wonderfully fresh all the while. And although the price range of this product is about twice as much as I would usually tend to spend on haircare, I have <i>very</i> quickly found that it is&nbsp;<i>entirely</i> worth it. Truthfully, I can't envision myself reverting back to my lazy haircare routine anytime soon. <i>Thank god</i>, says my hair.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/05/a-haircare-edit-with-loccitane.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a haircare edit with l'occitane beauty haircare 2" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2y1-b0Yg3-Y/WRt8MshF8AI/AAAAAAAAEjw/FpYSN3xm3ogXKGTuDRd5YIfnh3XhlPa1QCLcB/s1600/a-haircare-edit-with-loccitane-1.png" title="a haircare edit with l'occitane beauty haircare 2" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What is your current haircare to-go?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-44011566127665735212017-05-15T08:16:00.000+01:002017-05-15T08:16:29.036+01:004 Things I've Learned About Relationships In 4 Years.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W13rVr73_qw/WRjF68PE5vI/AAAAAAAAEjU/iG5aYaObq_0NSGAlESmaWwPeWACWZfKdACLcB/s1600/4-things-i%2527ve-learned-about-relationships-in-4-years-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4 things i've learned about relationships in 4 years thought lifestyle 1" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W13rVr73_qw/WRjF68PE5vI/AAAAAAAAEjU/iG5aYaObq_0NSGAlESmaWwPeWACWZfKdACLcB/s1600/4-things-i%2527ve-learned-about-relationships-in-4-years-1.png" title="4 things i've learned about relationships in 4 years thought lifestyle 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>Four whole years.</i></h3>May 17th, 2017 marks Adam and I's fourth anniversary as a couple. <i>Four whole years</i>. Honestly, it's like the time has passed in the blink of an eye. Although not the longest amount of time in the grand scheme of things, 2013 truly feels like a lifetime ago. We've went from being two giddy lovebirds who were each a little bit lost in life, to now two <i>grown-up</i> giddy lovebirds living together for almost two years, all whilst semi-succeeding at this whole 'adulting' thing. <i>Go us!</i><br /><br />When Adam and I's anniversary comes around, I just can't help but to get seriously nostalgic and reflective, thinking back on everything we have experienced together and all of the fun we've packed into the last couple of years. We've travelled to some of our favourite countries and cities, we've moved into our own place together, we've watched a bunch of our favourite bands perform live, and we've binged watched <i>a lot</i> of TV shows; all to name but a few.<br /><br />Most importantly of all, we have allowed our relationship to grow and flourish as we have grown and flourished as individuals throughout the years. As a result, I've learned a plethora of valuable lessons - about relationships, life and myself - that I can take forward for (hopefully) <i>many</i> more years to come. And so, I thought I'd share a few of them.<br /><h3>Time without phones is so important.</h3>First world problems, am I right? But hear me out - time without phones <i>is</i> so important, especially in today's society where basically our whole lives are contained within our phones. Whilst I love to have a good ol' scroll through my Instagram feed every now and again, as a couple it's absolutely necessary to regularly switch off from the online world and solely focus on each other. Whether it be for a date night, a day out, or an evening spent together melting into the sofa. Give your significant other your full attention by simply getting off your dang phone for a few hours, instead of only half-listening whilst mindlessly scrolling through social media. We're all guilty of it, myself included. (Sorry, Adam).<br /><h3>It helps when your lifestyles mesh.</h3>Personally, I've found that one of the key factors that contributes to building a strong relationship is having a similar outlook on life and establishing early on whether or not you're on the same page. Lord <i>knows</i> I'm thankful every single day that Adam is happy to hop across countries with me to see our favourite bands perform and that he'd usually rather have a night-in with pizza and Netflix over a boozey night-out. Not only that, but it's so important to figure out whether you both want similar things in the long-term. Your own home? Marriage? Kids? A house full of dogs? (Hell <i>YES!</i>) The last thing you want is to find yourselves years down the line wanting completely different things in life.<br /><h3>Everyone has their flaws.</h3>Unsurprisingly, relationships aren't always plain-sailing. I hate to break it to you, but <i>everyone</i> has their flaws and that's just something you have to work with in a relationship, as difficult as it can be. Even <i>that</i> Insta-perfect #couplesgoals couple who fill your Instagram feed with their lovey-dovey selfies - even <i>they</i> have to deal with each other's flaws. The reality is, you don't <i>have</i> to like every single thing about the person you're with. Heck, is such a thing even <i>possible</i>? It's more about seeing past those flaws and not allowing them to become the defining traits about that person. Sure, sometimes it'll cause you to bicker, sometimes you'll even argue, because it's easy to fall into a bad mood and take it out on the other person - but as long as you can talk it out, apologise and move forward, it doesn't have to be deal breaker.<br /><h3>Real love requires real vulnerability.</h3>One of the most terrifying things about falling in love with someone is the vulnerability that comes with it. Even four years later, it's something I <i>still</i> occasionally find myself struggling with. It's difficult to immerse yourself in love with someone without first accepting that they might hurt you some day. It's a profound kind of vulnerability because <i>nobody</i> wants to open themselves up to the possibility of being deeply hurt by someone they love. But unless you want to live with invisible barriers between you, you have to make the choice to love anyway. Regardless of the outcome, it <i>is</i> worth it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XndmaGm9GLU/WRjF7E9yHeI/AAAAAAAAEjY/kCrziRO9HOYINfpSab-x1ARNOCkxFp54ACLcB/s1600/4-things-i%2527ve-learned-about-relationships-in-4-years-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4 things i've learned about relationships in 4 years thought lifestyle 2" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XndmaGm9GLU/WRjF7E9yHeI/AAAAAAAAEjY/kCrziRO9HOYINfpSab-x1ARNOCkxFp54ACLcB/s1600/4-things-i%2527ve-learned-about-relationships-in-4-years-2.png" title="4 things i've learned about relationships in 4 years thought lifestyle 2" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What are some lessons you've learned about relationships?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-27721106075062348192017-05-11T22:38:00.003+01:002017-05-12T08:11:28.416+01:00Instagrammable Belfast: Town Square.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jxcYpuydBk/WRTY28tFisI/AAAAAAAAEiw/xxpJgym_h3Mna7cZvPpYXvdjVn8HDZOagCLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 1" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jxcYpuydBk/WRTY28tFisI/AAAAAAAAEiw/xxpJgym_h3Mna7cZvPpYXvdjVn8HDZOagCLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-2.png" title="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Instagrammable Belfast;&nbsp;</b></i></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><i>- Locations across the city of Belfast that are worthy of a visit and an Instagram snap or two.</i></div><br />If there's one thing that I just can't help but to have a major soft spot for, it's an aesthetically pleasing cafe that you can pay a visit to for a tasty brunch on a chilled-out Sunday mid-morning. Lo and behold, tucked neatly into the heart of the Botanic area of Belfast, is Town Square - and oh my, it certainly ticks every single one of those dreamy boxes.<br /><br />In recent years, Belfast has been experiencing a much-need food revolution. New and exciting cafes, restaurants and bars all bursting with modernised, quirky personalities have been popping up in the scene in every direction. Although it's difficult to decide where to start, Town Square has been particularly prominent on my radar. With rave reviews and a beautiful brand <a href="https://www.instagram.com/townsquarebelfast/" target="_blank">Instagram feed</a> to boot, I knew I couldn't leave it much longer to pay my (albeit well-overdue) first visit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1oSi_ARlVo/WRTY6yrKP8I/AAAAAAAAEjA/3XPc2Yt2GJYUbcnrqN6Qo0PzMjnWUK6lACLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 2" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1oSi_ARlVo/WRTY6yrKP8I/AAAAAAAAEjA/3XPc2Yt2GJYUbcnrqN6Qo0PzMjnWUK6lACLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-5.png" title="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEGf0-dHIVU/WRTY6vv9EUI/AAAAAAAAEjE/eTvQ0s0cBokTAc7w4sZS3DiSMhGB0IPegCLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 3" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEGf0-dHIVU/WRTY6vv9EUI/AAAAAAAAEjE/eTvQ0s0cBokTAc7w4sZS3DiSMhGB0IPegCLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-6.png" title="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 3" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWMqwM8SoO0/WRTY3F0yLzI/AAAAAAAAEi4/Mjt08fxRoycpPp_fXlpTSV3atqxczVV5gCLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 4" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWMqwM8SoO0/WRTY3F0yLzI/AAAAAAAAEi4/Mjt08fxRoycpPp_fXlpTSV3atqxczVV5gCLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-3.png" title="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 4" /></a></div><br />On a recent sun-soaked Sunday morning, Adam and I finally decided to pay our first visit to Town Square for brunch. As you step inside, you are immediately greeted with an incredibly warm and welcoming atmosphere. The cosy interiors are injected with a bunch of heart-warming personal touches, including quirky light bulbs, books on shelves and greenery on each table. It also has a casually open layout, giving it a very chilled-out feel. It would be the ideal place to pop in early on a morning, grab a hot drink and set up with your laptop somewhere in the corner to get some work done.<br /><br />With a mix of healthy options as well as good old Belfast food, you're pretty much guaranteed to find something tasty on the menu. For brunch, Adam opted for the avocado toast with a poached egg, whereas I absolutely couldn't resist a delicious pancake stack. It tasted incredible, in fact, I'm sure both of us could have went for round two. Now of course, we couldn't pay a visit to <i>the</i> cafe with Belfast's best authentic coffee without giving it a try. Sadly, I'm not a coffee drinker myself (boy oh boy, I wish I was) but Adam gave it a taste and didn't hesitate to give it a wholehearted thumbs up.<br /><br />As well as serving tasty breakfast foods, Town Square also serves lunch and dinner, as well as doubling as bar. They have an array of craft beers and cocktails on offer - which just makes for a dozen more reasons to go back as soon as I possibly can. And let's not forget; complete with marble-patterned table-tops, little pots of greenery on each table, pretty latte art and stunning interiors - it would basically be a sin <i>not</i> to post a photo of this place on Instagram.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfUf0RA9kD4/WRTY3Cv5jOI/AAAAAAAAEi0/Hml6JrcO5BkMCFA8Iy-qNOtd2E0YkZYxQCLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 5" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfUf0RA9kD4/WRTY3Cv5jOI/AAAAAAAAEi0/Hml6JrcO5BkMCFA8Iy-qNOtd2E0YkZYxQCLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-1.png" title="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y05xGDEH5Ks/WRTY6hObLUI/AAAAAAAAEi8/VwedaXRVJ986zm9U5MZDm8QMWmseBheGACLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 6" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y05xGDEH5Ks/WRTY6hObLUI/AAAAAAAAEi8/VwedaXRVJ986zm9U5MZDm8QMWmseBheGACLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-town-square-4.png" title="instagrammable belfast town square lifestyle travel 6" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Tell me some of your favourite local cafes?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-51383940604681979122017-05-09T22:55:00.000+01:002017-05-11T08:46:15.139+01:00It's Okay To Need A Break.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/05/its-okay-to-need-break.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="it's okay to need a break lifestyle thought advice 1" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAEo_Y7gbPI/WRI2ZfN7hEI/AAAAAAAAEiQ/wkosJGHpqSQcSBnd8EvqOmjD_ulX0QulwCEw/s1600/it%2527s-okay-to-need-a-break-7.png" title="it's okay to need a break lifestyle thought advice 1" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>Never underestimate the importance of taking a break</i>.</h3>Recently, I took a little bit of an unplanned hiatus from blogging (one of my recent posts details exactly <a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/04/what-hell-happened.html" target="_blank">what the hell happened</a>). And here's the thing: although I was <i>well</i> aware of how much&nbsp;I wholeheartedly <i>needed</i> that break, I found it difficult to ignore that niggling feeling of guilt that told me I <i>really</i> should be pouring every single spare second into my passions if I ever hoped to reach my goals and achieve all of the things I want to achieve. <i>Sigh.</i><br /><i><br /></i>But honestly, the frazzle was oh-so real and I needed to take that step back for my own freakin' sanity. Because alongside everything I talked about in the aforementioned recent blog post, I was at a point where I had just really burnt myself out and I was bloody <i>exhausted</i>. Now don't get me wrong; I <i>love</i> to keep myself busy. I love to be productive, I absolutely adore what I do. But when it gets to the point where I've come home from a long day at work and I'm staring at a blank page for hours and hours on end, my eyes welling up with tears of frustration because of all of this unnecessary self-imposed pressure - it becomes pretty clear that it's time to shut the laptop and taking a f*cking break.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/05/its-okay-to-need-break.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 2" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XbLmnXS_j9g/WRCikN35PhI/AAAAAAAAEhk/w5JRJK073LEKx42vYDQ0inQ98uTypaoogCEw/s1600/it%2527s-okay-to-need-a-break-8.png" title="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/05/its-okay-to-need-break.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 3" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGCpq-sMR4s/WRCikAhGlTI/AAAAAAAAEho/Qj8c42rxmNkdsQx8dt4kyhffM3RlgAF5gCEw/s1600/it%2527s-okay-to-need-a-break-9.png" title="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 3" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/05/its-okay-to-need-break.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 4" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxlSusy8njI/WRCig7YwdwI/AAAAAAAAEhM/mt4FdMxw45EOnDT331S778GAElGP6zQegCEw/s1600/it%2527s-okay-to-need-a-break-2.png" title="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 4" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Shop this post (similar):</h3><center><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225910a967e7055a017f7c9f27%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D"><script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1494263628679?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225910a967e7055a017f7c9f27%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1764-32065042-40%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"></iframe> </div><!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center><br />I get it, I get it; being busy is strangely addictive. It makes us feel like we've finally nailed this whole 'adulting' thing. Not to mention the fact that society is <i>obsessed</i> with busyness. Because let's face it, we <i>love</i> to remind people that we're busy. It's like if you're busy, you're automatically important, right? It's on trend to be the busiest girl boss you can be, slaying every opportunity that comes your way. Taking a break from it all? Not so cool, apparently. You suddenly feel like you're falling behind everyone else. (You're not important anymore! You'll never accomplish anything! You're a failure!)<br /><br />That's literally how my thought process goes as soon as I give myself even the smallest of breaks. And if you're the same; for god's sake, we <i>need</i> to stop right there.<i> Of course</i>&nbsp;it's a good thing to be productive and to be building your career, reaching your goals, or working on <i>something </i>- but being busy and constantly switched on isn't the be all and end all of everything. And (do I even need to say it?)&nbsp;<i>especially</i> not when it starts to negatively effect you mentally and physically.<br /><br />When I get too caught up in working my arse off and keeping myself busy I neglect everything else, from my relationships, to my other interests, to my own <i>self</i>. Which inevitably only makes a stressful situation ten times more stressful, and I'm suddenly burning myself out at both ends to absolutely no avail. I get so mentally and physically tired that my motivation starts to take a drastic nosedive, too. But I keep working, I keep plodding on,&nbsp;<i>I'm just so busy</i>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/05/its-okay-to-need-break.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 5" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6y3LChSDVA/WRCihFa074I/AAAAAAAAEhQ/7Ii7OcVBvT4fPAfskRe1HCohj2-61G4UQCEw/s1600/it%2527s-okay-to-need-a-break-3.png" title="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/05/its-okay-to-need-break.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 6" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0BXHHB8_swM/WRI0tgq1meI/AAAAAAAAEiA/hbr0p7qd0osGF1iAn81_S59ntYIK0LjjACLcB/s1600/it%2527s-okay-to-need-a-break-1.png" title="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 6" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>You'll be more angry at yourself for producing poor work.</i></h3>Let's put it into perspective for a quick second; surely producing work that is of a lower quality because you're exhausted is <i>much</i> worse than taking a few days off to breathe, self-care and refresh your thoughts? Right? Right! Churning out work that you're not wholeheartedly happy with might fill the gap and get things out of the way for now, but when you look back on it later on, you might wish you did things differently. I've certainly been there once or twice before.<br /><br />And so, here's a reminder from me to you (and from me to me): it's <i>okay</i> to need a break every now and again (or as often as you feel like you might need one). There's absolutely nothing wrong with pressing the pause button and taking some time out for yourself. It doesn't make you a failure, it doesn't mean you aren't going to eventually smash every single one of your goals (because you <i>will</i>). It just means that you can take some time out for yourself, you can spend some time nurturing your relationships and most importantly of all, you bounce back better than ever. From here on out, let's make a promise to ourselves to make more of a conscious effort to take an occasional step back and freakin' <i>breathe</i>.<br /><br /><i>And not feel even a little bit guilty about it.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/05/its-okay-to-need-break.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 7" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXRijR1slhQ/WRCieV2FYCI/AAAAAAAAEg8/oJE4__DGzI8-VSVCN0c7D8rXzTjsJLSCACEw/s1600/it%2527s-okay-to-need-a-break-11.png" title="it's okay to need a break advice lifestyle thought 7" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/05/its-okay-to-need-break.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="it's okay to need a break lifestyle thought advice 10" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RG6XJz6Mq5g/WRI70VbBloI/AAAAAAAAEig/FO5INeQpD20nsg12Pa1SY2fyWcamcym-QCLcB/s1600/it%2527s-okay-to-need-a-break-10.png" title="it's okay to need a break lifestyle thought advice 10" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">What are your favourite ways to switch off?</h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930191403148307886.post-5326102885896089362017-04-28T08:14:00.000+01:002017-04-28T09:07:11.298+01:00Instagrammable Belfast: Botanic Gardens.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/04/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 1" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuRKhQBRpX8/WQEAVt6N9II/AAAAAAAAEgM/7abRngolaGAxMa1g2n7LQ2VrAT3Hy4ZWwCLcB/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens-3.png" title="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 1" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Instagrammable Belfast;&nbsp;</b></i></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><i>- Locations across the city of Belfast that are worthy of a visit and an Instagram snap or two.</i></div><br />Botanic Gardens is by far one of my most beloved locations in Belfast. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'd even go as far as to say that it's my favourite spot in the <i>entirety</i> of the city. And you can be absolutely sure that there are Insta-opportunities a-plenty to be found here; especially on days that are gloriously drenched in sunshine, albeit as rare as they might be.<br /><br />Located on the Stranmillis Road with Queen's University nearby, Belfast's Botanic Gardens occupies 28 acres of land and is often buzzing with students, office workers and tourists having a stroll and soaking up all of the naturally beautiful sights. It's even home to the fascinating Ulster Museum, which can be found right at one of the entrances.<br /><br />It's not hard to imagine that when the sun's rays occasionally decide to grace the city of Belfast, dozens upon dozens of people flock to the grounds of Botanic Gardens to bask in the good weather. On a particularly hot day last summer, Adam and I spent almost the whole day simply lounging and people-watching in the sun and honestly, it was probably one of my favourite days that I've ever spent in our little home city; and I'm hopeful that we will have similar days this year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/04/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 2" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfyD38zAti4/WQEAaUGUnmI/AAAAAAAAEgY/te8bigKE7c42a3ZN3edDk_UOWj3YU1EAACEw/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens-7.png" title="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/04/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 3" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JB6wzOCSHmc/WQEAYxts15I/AAAAAAAAEgQ/U-lc9fisz3krCiibGtKWXu0T3GSdeGLaQCEw/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens-5.png" title="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 3" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/04/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 4" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQCftDqgqlk/WQEAQHRvXwI/AAAAAAAAEgE/7TnO_OEKuds_mIO7ZZF2LjeQhIXZkuaNwCEw/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens-2.png" title="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 4" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>The Palm House Conservatory</i></h3>Perhaps the most notable (and by far my personal favourite) feature of Botanic Gardens is the Palm House conservatory, which is <i>the</i> most stunning cast iron glasshouse (and one of the earliest examples in the world, after being completed in 1840) that houses all types of exotic plants; including different types of cacti, succulents and lilies.<br /><br />In truth, I'll never not be excited when wandering around the Palm House. The look and feel of the conservatory changes alongside the different blooms throughout the seasons, so there will always be something new to admire and take a few snaps of. Unsurprisingly, the Palm House offers some of the most beautiful sights in spring and summer, and I'd say around 90% of my Instagram feed is taken up by snaps of this beloved location around this time of year. Sorry, not sorry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/04/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 5" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86xpzpmY-Hs/WQEAYh4Q0iI/AAAAAAAAEgU/wda6EaomxVgXxrQoeDDkvvr807e0DMbNACEw/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens-6.png" title="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/04/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 6" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmw0qyOsjpE/WQEAQOfWLMI/AAAAAAAAEgI/4SgM8ou7z4EMEVULbI9mCnJDYAaw6SB3ACEw/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-4.png" title="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 6" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katybelle.co.uk/2017/04/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 6" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXqqOwMm2KQ/WQEAPQn2uJI/AAAAAAAAEgA/URFDYcaA8PElzX9zNotllNmDEdWqbFK_wCEw/s1600/instagrammable-belfast-botanic-gardens-1.png" title="instagrammable belfast botanic gardens northern ireland 6" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>What's your favourite local spot to visit?</i></h3>Katy Belle.<br />Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/katybellemairs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!Katy Bellehttps://plus.google.com/111070553868117996314noreply@blogger.com0